Reviewed by Louise Totton
An interactive, theatrical adaptation of the fabulous ‘What the Ladybird Heard’ book by author of The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson. The key word here being adaptation – I wasn’t sure how it would be possible to convert Julia Donaldson’s inimitable style into a stage show but this show managed it brilliantly. At 55 minutes, it wasn’t a long performance, about right for the age range the show was aimed at, but it was paced fantastically well and had all of the audience enthralled and rapt throughout. The cast had audience members singing, shouting, moo-ing, baa-ing and making a myriad of other farmyard noises.
The show was engaging, had the children thinking and interacting for the whole hour.
We went with a 4 year old girl and a 3 year old boy. Both children absolutely loved the performance, they participated eagerly and were very engaged with the whole show. They were both really disappointed when the performance was over, and have talked about nothing else since we got home. In the car on the way home, they were both singing the songs and chattering incessantly about the farmer, the ladybird and the two bad men. We had to read the book several times to my daughter before she went to bed this evening, and we now have to spend tomorrow making a dainty dog from a sweeping brush!
The kids simply had an amazing time, there is a lot of educational merit in the show too, so fantastic from a parent’s point of view too. I would absolutely recommend the show to anyone with young children for an introduction to the wonderful world of theatre.
Rating: 5/5
For more information about shows at St George’s Hall in Bradford visit www.bradford-theatres.co.uk
