The Tiger WHO Came To Tea

The Olivier Award nominated stage production of The Tiger Who Came To Tea came to York Theatre Royal on 01 and 02 September as part of a major UK tour for 2023, commemorating the centenary year of its beloved author, the late Judith Kerr OBE.

A musical play adapted and directed by David Wood OBE, this production was perfectly pitched for the target audience of 3+ with a running time of 55 minutes.
My two grandchildren aged 7 and 5 were soon giggling with glee along with the other children at the slapstick scene at breakfast as Daddy ( Benjamin Stone ) staggered round the kitchen muddling his shoes for toast, and mistaking a tea cosy for his hat. We adults laughed along too; this was quality theatre at its best, seeing a favourite picture book brought wonderfully to life.

The kitchen set designed by Susie Caulcutt was light and airy, with many hidden props that would be revealed to great effect as the story progressed.
Millie Robbins was a delight as young Sophie, and Katie Tripp was a picture perfect Mummy, with assistant director/choreographer Emma Clayton being the silent, sensational support in the seemingly effortless Tick Tock clock scenes.

There was a tantalising build up for the Tiger’s eagerly anticipated entrance, including visits from the Milkman and Postman then, at last, he appeared. I did wonder if the Tiger would scare my 5 year old granddaughter ( her older brother had already seen this show with me aged 3 and had been fine ), and she looked a little apprehensive at first, but then burst into beams rather than tears as the Tiger took us all to our hearts with his graceful moves and marvellous manners. Tigerobics later on thoroughly entertained the young, and not so young in the audience.

There was awe and wonder on many young faces as food magically disappeared from plates and cupboards ( magic illusions designed by Scott Penrose ), followed by a rousing sing-a-long song later, featuring sausages, chips and ice cream, with lots of audience participation.

The Tiger didn’t put a paw wrong, and when Sophie gave him a warm hug as she said goodbye, adults and children alike gave a collective “ ahhh ”; the story had woven its magic on stage, and everyone went home happy, no doubt eager for tea and cake!