What the Ladybird Heard at the Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury Review
What the Ladybird Heard
Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury
26-29 August 2014
Reviewed by Rachael Farndell
I think most parents have come across a Julia Donaldson book of some sort but What the Ladybird Heard has to be one of my daughters (and my) favourite stories. So getting the chance to see it live at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury was very exciting. For those who don’t know the story, the show is about a farmer who owns a fine, prize cow and two naughty robbers who plan to steal that cow! However their despicable plan is scuppered by a host of farmyard animals and a tiny ladybird with a plan.
I wasn’t sure how they would present the story, whether there would be people in animal costumes or cardboard cut-outs and without giving too much away we were pleasantly surprised how they created the farm, the animals and how they told the tale. The stage is set up with the farmyard scene at the beginning, my daughter instantly recognised the animals once they were created and was so animated when the ladybird made an appearance. The actors are hugely talented, singing and playing musical instruments throughout the show. Audience participation is good; my daughter was shouting along with them and dancing in her seat to the songs. The music is catchy, we ended up singing ‘and the cow goes moo…’ all the way back to the car. The show is very funny; there were moments when I laughed out loud. Considering the theatre was full of children they were very captivated with the tale, there was no one running around or distracted.
A definite must see for fans of the book and for those who have never read the story. The creation of the animals and the ladybird appearing were our favourite parts along with the songs and music. We would definitely watch it again if we had the chance and I would bring our younger children (two year olds) as well as I think they would enjoy it too.
The theatre itself is very modern, stylish and clean. The seating is brilliant; you can see the stage well as seats are staggered. It was easy for us to find and there is plenty of parking in the town with various car parks. We followed the theatre parking sign which took us to a multi-story car park about 5 minutes’ walk away. The staff were very helpful and polite and they provided booster seats for smaller audience members, essential when you have a theatre full of excited children! They sell refreshments and food on site too although we did not purchase anything ourselves. One thing I was very pleased about was the lack of flashing wands toys, a few productions I have been to have had these on sale and it is very distracting during a show however there didn’t seem to be any at Aylesbury.
Rating: 4.5/5
Tickets cost £13.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
What the Ladybird Heard is at the Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury until Friday 29 August 2014. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 7607.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1UG
