The Tiger Who Came to Tea at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre Review
Reviewed by Katy Nettleton
On Wednesday 10 May 2017 we had the exciting trip to the theatre; my son (Oliver, age 3) has been to the theatre before and seen famous books which have been taken to the stage and if I am honest with mixed reviews, therefore as we entered the theatre I had a little bit of trepidation that Oliver wouldn’t sit for the entire show and keep asking to go to the toilet! However, there was no need for nerves. As we entered the theatre and got to our seats he was fascinated with the stage which was very similar and simple (but effective) to the images in the book as were the 4 characters; Mum, Dad, Sophie and of course the tiger! Who all wore similar clothes to those illustrated in the book, this made it easy for a 3 year old to identify who was who. As the show started we saw Sophie and Mum sit around the table at various times during the day and eating nice food as part of the build up to the big event; when the TIGER CAME TO TEA. During this time there was plenty of singing and audience participation which was perfect and got Oliver involved in the show, he was giggling and also predicting what was coming next. The story closely reflected the book and again this made it easier for the younger audience members to follow and join in with.
Oliver just loved it once the Tiger arrived, he was giggling away and guessing what food he was going to eat next (sorry if this spoils the surprises for you!) and mesmerised when the tiger ACTUALLY ate all the food and with no crumbs being left on the plate!
As the story unfolds we follow Sophie and Mum telling Dad all about the days adventures and then them driving in the dark to find a café. Oliver loved the car, and has made his own car at home with our kitchen table and chairs! To me this is a sign of a brilliant show, a child being able to watch something and then be creative and use their imagination to recreate scenes. Although this evening Oliver did want to put out some food for the real tiger who will come to our house for tea one night!
The show was pure brilliance, a great reflection of a fantastic book. The show stuck closely to the book, plot, illustrations and clothing which I think is needed to engage children. As usual there is the end singing session which I don’t think any child in the audience was not joining in on, and it was fabulous seeing all the Tiger dances going on in the isles.
The show lasted just short of an hour, again perfect for the age of children attending. I would say the show would suit children (who knew the story) from age 2-6. This is a perfect way for children to experience theatre at an early age and enjoy a different form of entertainment.
The acting was brilliant and all (including the Tiger) fully engaged with the audience and got all the children singing and dancing along at various points during the show.
Oliver’s favourite part was “when the Tiger ate all the food but the funniest bit was when he had Daddy’s Supper!” and my favourite bit was hearing all the children in the audience laughing, clapping and enjoying the show.
Overall I give this 5 out of 5 and would recommend it for any child who likes the book!
Rating: 5/5
The Tiger Who Came to Tea is currently on tour around the UK, for more information and tour dates visit tigerstealive.com.
For other shows at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre & Studio visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com.
Lichfield Garrick Theatre, Castle Dyke, Lichfield, WS13 6HR | 01543 412121
