Peppa Pig’s Surprise at the Assembly Hall Theatre Review
Peppa Pig’s Surprise
Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells
13-14 April 2016
Reviewed by Amanda Hayes
My 3 year old son Ethan and I set off to Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall full of excitement today ready to watch Peppa Pig’s Surprise. We love seeing shows at Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall it’s a great venue with a large car park two minutes’ walk away a well-stocked bar with ice creams and snacks and the auditorium has comfortable seating. Inside the foyer of the theatre is a large buggy storage area and it was packed when we arrived showing just how popular Peppa Pig is.
When the show started Ethan was mesmerised from the beginning right through to the end. When the interval came he wouldn’t leave his seat as he didn’t want to miss the second half, that’s how excited he was. The stage scenery was really bright, the singing fun and most of the scenes had audience participation either clapping, singing or dancing. Daisy, the only human, led the show telling the story about the main character, Peppa Pig, brother George and various animal friends, not forgetting Mr Potato!
Peppa and friends are 4-5ft high puppets and the puppeteers were excellent; in a strange way you forgot they were there even though they are in full view all of the time. They really made the stories come alive with their singing and the movement of the puppets. Daisy quickly got the audience participating, encouraging the children to shout, sing, clap and wave their hands in the air.
In the first half Peppa and friends play in muddy puddles, the audience gets a soaking with a water gun to simulate splashing which is really fun. After getting really muddy they go home for a bath with supersize bubbles and more interactive fun. After around 35 minutes there was a 15-minute interval, and then they were all back on stage with new scenery and part two of the story. The second half was dedicated to Peppa Pig’s Surprise, I won’t spoil the show by saying what it is but rest assured there is plenty of singing and dancing.
Everyone had a great time and it was fabulous to see so many excited faces. Peppa Pig’s Surprise is a must see if you have young children.
Rating: 5/5 
Peppa Pig’s Surprise is currently touring around the UK throughout 2016, for more information or to book tickets at a theatre near you visit www.peppapiglive.com.
For other shows at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk.
Assembly Hall Theatre, Crescent Rd, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2LU | 01892 530613
