The Lightbulb Princess at Leeds Carriageworks Theatre Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Kat Harrison

This half-term we had a lovely trip to Leeds Carriageworks Leeds Theatre to see a delightful new show called ‘The Lightbulb Princess’.

A production by Tutti Frutti, a children’s theatre company based in Leeds, my six and eight year old daughters and I loved this interactive, theatrical adventure.

Aimed at children aged 4+, I’d say the show will be most appreciated by those at infant school, but that said, my Year 4 thoroughly enjoyed it too.  It’s a fun 50-minute tale with educational elements and meaningful messages.

The three children in the story want their Mum to have the perfect Christmas and start a hunt for the decorations. When they find Filomina, the sparkly fairy who normally lives on top of the tree, the story takes an unexpected turn.

With catchy, original songs, a set that is gradually uncovered and lit up, and with plenty of opportunity for kids to take part with follow along actions and questions to answer, it’s a show that will hold their attention, capture their imagination and have them feeling involved in the action.

From learning that there’s more to Christmas than just presents to an insight into wind turbines, The Lightbulb Princess introduces themes such as the importance of family time and sustainable energy, in an informative yet entertaining manner that children will understand and be inspired by.

I asked my girls what they thought about the show and as regular theatre-goers, they didn’t just reply with the standard, “It was good Mum”, they added, “It was different2.  And yes, it is different, in that it isn’t just a fun story, there‘s meaning behind it, that they grasped immediately.  It’s a unique storytelling style that has obviously benefited from research the theatre company has carried out with young audiences.

The show explores the sensational science of electricity in a fashion not too dissimilar in style to a CBeebies educational show but with added music, the joy of live theatre and heaps of charm.  I found the trio’s acting more powerful than their singing but the songs were cute earworms that children could easily follow.  The cast pitched everything just right at their core audience and were kind enough to stay and pose for photos after the show.

The Lightbulb Princess is a perfect mix of light heartedness and learning, of both chuckles and contemplation, for children and their families.  The show offers up a lovely way to spend some quality time together that encourages important talking points.

The Lightbulb Princess is now touring the UK until 31st December.  You can see all the theatres the company will be heading to with links to tickets and their prices at https://tutti-frutti.org.uk/shows/the-lightbulb-princess/

The Lightbulb Princess

Rating: 4.5/5

A big shout out to Leeds Carriageworks for looking after us.  This small but perfectly formed modern theatre housed in a Grade II Listed building hosts some of Leeds’ best arts and cultural events and is right in the city centre, easily accessed by public transport and by car.