An invitation to review Freckle Productions Tiddler and other Terrific Tales? This was one trip all three of my boys wanted in on….
Freckle Productions are back with another action packed ensemble breathing new life into the work of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffer. Aside form the title piece Tiddler, three additional favourite stories- The monkey Puzzle, A squash and a Squeeze and The Smartest Giant are all bought to life in this hour-long feast of storytelling, song and creative puppetry.
We start in the Jungle where a little lost monkey seeks our help to find his mum. Props are masterfully manipulated into puppets. first an elephant ‘my Mum’s not so big!) a snake (‘on no you’ve got it wrong again!) until we resolve to return later to solve the monkey conundrum. Moving on we head out to the farmhouse on the prairie where a little old lady ponders her lack of space. A squash and a squeeze unfolds with some toe-tapping tunes and farmyard animals a plenty. Next up is the woeful George, the scruffiest giant with the kindest heart.
Finally we come to the undersea world of Tiddler, the small fish with a big imagination. A family favourite amidst these much-loved titles, my three boys had hotly anticipated this part of the show. ‘Tiddler’s Late!’ is a common retort to tardiness in our household, such is their love of this tale. Firstly we meet the fishermen in their yellow waterproofs ‘This one’s just a Tiddler – we’ll throw him back to sea’ before working back through the tall tales and classroom roll calls of the story.
This pattern of non linear storytelling is characteristic of this production and may feel a little ambitious in light of it’s young target audience. However for my boys (aged 3,5 and 6) the challenge of predicting which of the stories came next only added to their enjoyment. They are however Julia Donaldson afficionados and i would definitely recommend reading the books to your little ones beforehand to benefit from some fresh familiarity.
Overall a delightful production full of good wholesome fun and some stellar performances from a multi skilled cast. Cadogan Hall, in the heart of Chelsea with it’s high ceilings and spacious aisles proves a relaxed and inviting venue for children’s theatre. Booster seats and Buggy parking are available on a first-served basis.
Tiddler and other terrific tales runs for a limited three-week engagement ending 21st August 2022. Age suitability 3+ Book Here
Cast – Delvene Pitt, Joanna Brown, TJ Holmes
Musical Director – Brian Hargreaves
Designer – Katie Sykes
Music and Lyrics – Benji bower
Original Direction – Sally Cookson
Booking Ahead? Freckle productions will be back in London with the spectacular Stick man Live this autumn. Not to be missed.
