Fun and thrills you didn’t know your toddler could handle. London mum Charlie Avella gives her two cents on the hit West End Toddler Sensation in this Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out Theatre Review.
I’ve endured my fair share of Peppa Pig Episodes. A bit like my early 20s Friends addiction, there is rarely an episode I haven’t already seen. I’ve mastered the snort laugh, memorised the words to Bing Bong Boo and if I was to go on the Wheel this would depressingly be a safe bet for my subject of expertise. I do have four kids mind you. So, the prospect of another Peppa adventure, this time live on stage, didn’t exactly send shivers down my spine.
And yet Peppa’s Fun Day Out at the Theatre Royal Haymarket is a revelation. This isn’t just another cartoon come to life. It’s a full-blown theatrical experience that had my normally-fidgety 2-year-old glued to her seat and smiling from ear to ear.
Along with hundreds of other preschoolers and their parents, (and many a grandparent) we piled into the traditionally ornate Theatre Royal in London’s West End. The relaxed atmosphere is key here. This show welcomes squeals of delight, sing-alongs, and impromptu toilet dashes. It’s a safe space for young children to be fully immersed in Peppa’s world, and yes, for parents to finally enjoy a Peppa adventure without the guilt of screen time.
The stage show follows Daisy (Perrie Sunuwar) Peppa’s bubbly human friend and the larger than life puppet characters – Peppa, her little brother George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig and all their animal friends in an exhausting 24hr day out. If heading into the West End for a show with your toddler feels ambitious, this day out will take you down a peg as Peppa easily fits in all sorts of adventures – the Zoo, The beach and a surprise Birthday Party for Suzy Sheep.
The set is colourful and remains true to the cartoon aesthetic. The puppets are suitably impressive and expertly controlled by actors (to which the all believing young audience seem thankfully oblivious). There are moments of true brilliance – a swarm of butterflies at the Zoo, Daddy pig swimming amongst ocean life and of course a surprise visit by Father Christmas. With sing-a-longs (and dance-a- longs) there is lots of audience participation and interaction to keep little ones on the edge of their seats.
And the surprises don’t stop there. Sit in the stalls and you may want to bring a shower cap as George’s outbursts give the first few rows a thorough soaking which by the end of the show becomes more of a one sided water fight with water snipers in the balconies. This is then compounded by a snow flurry finale much to the little ones delight.
What Age is Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out for?
I don’t use the term ‘All ages’ lightly but with two halves lasting only 30 mins and a short interval (toilet/snack/ice cream break) of 20 mins I would suggest this show is the exception. Whilst I wouldn’t go out of my way to take a child younger than 2 (or older than 4) I would happily take siblings outside of the toddler bracket if needed.
Is it worth the money?
Yes. This show is guaranteed to delight and is a perfect introduction to live theatre. At the time of writing mid week tickets are reasonably priced too – however I would warn about the trip wire merchandise – a sneaky little upsell that will see you part with an eye-watering £16 for a light up windmill thingy that no child can resist.
Buggy Parking at The Theatre Royal Haymarket
There is a designated facility for buggies and pushchairs as there is limited space inside this old theatre. You will be asked to fold the buggy and be warned that queues for drop off/pick up are outside without shelter.
To join Peppa, Miss Rabbit, Pedro Pony, Danny Dog, Zoe Zebra and all your favourite characters grab your Peppa Pig tickets and head to theTheatre Royal, Haymarket until 5th January 2025. Peppa fans – you won’t be disappointed!
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