The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show At Warwick Arts Centre, Review

Reviewed by Alexander Wilde

Celebrating its 52nd Anniversary, Eric Carle’s treasured Caterpillar wriggles to Warwick with familiar friends for festive family fun. This timeless character has been nibbling its way around the world for the last five years and, following multiple runs in the West End, is concluding its 2021 tour at Warwick Arts Centre.

At the heart of the University of Warwick, the arts centre, like the titular star, is newly transformed into an impressive cultural hub. Complementing the theatre and studios, the modern accessible building contains cinema screens, gallery and learning space, a café and pop-up bars for selected performances. Despite the impressive facilities, this venue fell seriously short on its parking. As first-time visitors, the bodged one-way system, lack of signage on the campus roads and car parks, a substandard payment system, plus convoluted pre-attendance email instructions made for a stressful arrival.

This aside and focusing on the reason for our visit – to experience the very best of children’s storytelling on stage. Brought to life by a team of four talented actors and puppeteers, the show featured four of Carle’s elegantly simple tales. Playfully and professionally, with their seventy-five plus lovable puppets, they transported us to the worlds of:
– ‘Brown Bear, Brown Bear’ – featuring a multi-coloured menagerie of animals, we are asked what do you see?
-‘10 Little Rubber Ducks’ – overboard and separated, off they float to far away countries. The majestic polar bear stole the children’s hearts in this one.
– ‘Dream Snow’ – a generous farmer with an uncanny likeness for Saint Nick, shows his animals the spirit of Christmas.
– Lastly, having sold 45 million copies worldwide and unlikely to need any introduction, ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ hatched on stage. As everyone’s favourite insatiable grub grew fatter, our hearts grew fonder!

As if in an oversized book, the iconic hand-painted imagery is replicated equally well in the stage setting and props. These faithful retellings are also accompanied by whimsical soundtracks.

Lasting a punchy 55 minutes, the bright and colourful performance is the perfect length for toddlers and infants. Our son is just over two years old and was captivated throughout – a perfect introduction to live theatre.

An unexpected and delightful extra treat were the themed craft activities taking place in the multi-purpose foyer. Led by the brilliant Creative Learning Team, my children enjoyed creating their own butterflies and caterpillars using a range of media.

Despite our arrival frustrations, we would visit again. Not only for the variety and quality of the productions, but the incredibly warm welcome from the passionate staff. It appears they are receiving a great deal of negative feedback regarding the parking situation and University management need to make significant changes. Arts venues need happy customers now more than ever.

My recommendation is that you familiarise yourself with the parking map and arrive at campus half-an-hour before the advertised start time.

Measured in little one’s smiles and squeals of delight, this enchanting show is a joy. So wrap them in a Christmas cocoon of cheer and make magically metamorphic memories at the theatre before 2021 flutters away.

Rating: Five Stars. (5/5)

Twice daily performances are running until Friday 24 December 2021. Tickets from £14.50 children and £16.50 adults are available from the Box Office: www.warwickartscentre.co.uk T: 024 7652 4524. It is worth noting the range of accessible performances. More information on show website.

Show information: https://www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/whats-on/the-very-hungry-caterpillar-christmas-show-1720
Tour information: https://hungrycaterpillarshow.com