The Tiger Who Came to Tea at the Waterside Theatre Aylesbury Review

Reviewed by Lacey Anning

I took my two-year-old daughter to see The Tiger Who Came to Tea at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury. We are both big fans of the book and delight in reading it so were hopeful, and a little nervous about seeing it brought to life on stage.

We needn’t have worried. From start to finish the story was true to the book, with a bit of magic thrown in. The cast were great, and it was visually easy to see straight away who Sophie, Mummy and Daddy were. The costumes were fabulous, and a real reflection of those in the book.

We saw the 4.30pm showing on a Monday. The audience was full of young children and their parents, grandparents and carers. The show started with a song, and some audience participation which set the tone for the rest of the show. It was ideal for children, especially those who may have been in school/preschool all day and needed to have some fun.

The audience were able to get involved with the Tiger’s arrival, in true pantomime style. Daddy, Mummy and Sophie were all very well cast, however the Tiger really stole the show. The costume was again fantastic, and the Tiger himself was brilliant. His moves (both upon arrival and during Tiger Aerobics) were funny, and had the audience laughing. There was certainly some magic involved with the disappearance of the food, both from the plates on the table and the fridge/cupboards, and then the replenishment afterwards. I have been left wondering how some of it was done!

There was the opportunity for the children to get involved with some ‘Tiger Aerobics’ which helped those who were getting fidgety and allowed them all to stretch their legs and use their voices. With an opportunity later in the show to do some more singing also.

Upon reflection, The Tiger Who Came to Tea was fantastic. It was a real reflection of the book, and the props, costume and set were amazing. I cannot enthuse enough about all the little touches that have been added to ensure that the stage show accurately reflects the book (the bath scene, costumes, café, trumpet etc).

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre is a great venue with ample nearby parking.  It is possible to hire child seats for the chairs. The chairs themselves are comfortable, and the theatre has a very modern feel to it. The staff were all polite and the facilities clean. I will definitely be visiting again.

I would give The Tiger Who Came to Tea a 5/5.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost £15.65 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).

The Tiger Who Came to Tea is at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury from25-26 September 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury or call the box office on 0844 871 7607.

Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1UG | 0844 871 7607