Reviewed by Sarah Bryan
It’s over 50 years since the story of The Tiger Who Came to Tea was published and how fantastic that this short sweet tale about a girl called Sophie and her surprise feline guest has captured the hearts through generations. It has remained a timeless children’s classic book and what a special experience this is, to not only relive my own childhood but also to share this with my own child and to give her the experience of theatre and how something you have read and interpreted in a personal and unique manner can come to life before your eyes.
Adapted for stage by David Wood following an unusual meeting with author Judith Kerr at Buckingham Palace; this show opened in London in 2014 and is currently showing at Oxford Playhouse until Saturday 27th October. At £14 for an adult ticket and £10 a child, this is such good value for money that it’s a must see. Oxford Playhouse, originally a 1938 repertory theatre is modestly tucked away in the City Centre yet so easy to find. It’s got an enormous list of big names who began their acting careers on their stage and the auditorium itself with its comfy cosy seating is just the right size to enable you to feel connected and a part of the show. The facilities at Oxford Playhouse were well maintained and there were lots of friendly staff, keen to assist you. I was particularly impressed at seeing someone walking around the auditorium prior to showtime with a stack of booster seats that were free to hire!
As we took our seats, my daughter instantly recognised the set as Sophie’s kitchen and was thrilled at the sight of the door which held such suspense throughout the performance each time the doorbell rang! The magic began, and it was as through the characters had stepped right out of the book.
Sophie was played by Abbey Norman who was fantastic with all the energy and exaggerated expressiveness of a child. My daughter fully believed that she was a little girl and felt a rapport with the character “She is like me with my daddy!” Abbeys beaming smile completely lit up the stage and she perfectly captures the role.
Sophie’s daddy, played by Tom O’Connell, had the kids roaring (with laughter as well as literally!) during his clumsy hijinks and he was my little girls favourite character. “He looks just like Sophie’s daddy in our book!”
Stephanie Summers is brilliant in her portrayal of the 1930’s middle class housewife and has all the poise and intonation of an actress of that era.
Not forgetting of course the magnificent Tiger who seemed to steal the heart of every child in the theatre with his gentlemanly ways.
The performance was incredibly smooth and seamless and with a sense of wonderment about it. It begins preceding what we read in the book and is packed like a goodie bag of delights, bursting with songs, laughter and with an uncanny ability to have the young audience completely engaging with them. So bright and light yet extraordinary… does a tiger really come to tea? Is it all just in Sophie’s imagination? Anything is possible in the mind of a child and with the set mirroring the book illustrations, the children already think they know what to expect. But this adaptation has been beefed up beautifully and there are lovely surprises too.
It’s a truly wonderful musical to go and see with the children and the cast have such TV style bouncy enthusiasm that it doesn’t fail to bring you along with it. Gasps of amazement echoed as the Tiger devoured the plates of food which really did disappear, and shrieks of laughter burst out at the comedy moments. The Tiger Who Came to Tea is a must see for anyone with toddlers, pre-schoolers or primary aged children as well as us adults!
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £10 to £14 (booking fees may apply).
The Tiger Who Came to Tea is at the Oxford Playhouse from 24-27 October 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.oxfordplayhouse.com or call the box office on 01865 305305.
Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2LW | 01865 305305
