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The First Hippo on the Moon at the Lichfield Garrick Review

8 July 2017

Reviewed by Lisa Saccone

Number one bestselling children’s’ author David Walliams The First Hippo on the Moon has been adapted for the stage by Les Petit Theatre Company and came to the Lichfield Garrick on Saturday 8th July 2017.

It is an extremely funny space adventure which particularly appeals to boy’s sense of humour (lots of references to poos and farting!) Two big hippos, with the help of a variety of jungle animals “battle it out” to make their dream come true: being the first Hippo to set foot on the moon, hence the title “The First Hippo on the Moon.”

Les petit does a good job of adapting the book into a stage show. The main character “Sheila” (The Hippo) is dressed from head to toe in a hippo costume, whereas the other animal “characters” are puppets, moved around on the stage by puppeteers. This was slightly off putting as my attention was shifting between the puppeteers moving the puppets and the actual characters themselves. At times, the movement around the stage seemed to be a little awkward, however when catchy songs and lively dances between scenes were added by the “puppeteers” I could see an advantage in having them on stage.

The great thing about this show is that the humour appeals to both children and adults alike, references to “Donald trunk” had the adults roaring whilst actors engaged the younger audience by helping the rocket get the moon “collecting their poo!” My four-year-old was in awe of all the animals on stage and entertained for the full hour laughing and dancing along to the music between scenes. It certainly had a “feel good vibe” to it.

The set was beautifully created and clearly showed a jungle scene. The way the palm trees moved around on the stage whilst Sheila the Hippo went to find Bob the silver backed ape.

A few scenes later when the Hippo did finally arrive on the moon, the set created the perfect atmosphere of a moon landing and my four-year-old son had his eyes fixed on the action.

Overall, I enjoyed the performance and experience and will definitely be visiting again with my son, should we have the opportunity to do so.

Rating: 5/5

For other shows at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com or call the box office on 01543 412121.

Lichfield Garrick Theatre, Castle Dyke, Lichfield, WS13 6HR | 01543 412121

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