Review: Zog and the flying doctors crash lands into london

A quality musical show to rival it’s West End Neighbours

With a month long summer residency at Cadogan Hall, 'Zog and the flying Doctors' is set to shake up Chelsea with a magical blend of hapless chaos, don't care disco dancing and bolstering life lessons. A quality show to rival its West End neighbours, I took my children to the preview run at the Rose Theatre, Kingston to bring you this Zog and The Flying Doctors review.

My children are well acquainted with Zog. They have read the books (along with every other Julia Donaldson classic) countless times. They were also lucky enough to watch 'Zog' live on stage last year also by Freckle Productions. But this sequel doesn't assume anything and quickly fills you in on the backstory of Zog, a young dragon who has to try that little bit harder than most. Now a dragon school graduate, Zog and his friends Princess Pearl and Gadabout the Knight are the flying ambulance team tending to the Kingdom's sick.

But whereas 'Zog' was a story consumed with the frustration and triumphs of its title role, this sequel is less about Zog. The show features masterful characterisation -aside from the doctors we meet a whiny East End mermaid, a disco loving unicorn, sickly lion, medical maverick and of course the flamboyant yet fuddy duddy King - all played by a talented cast of five.

There is a strong musical theatre feel to this production, with each new character introduced with a big all singing all dancing musical number. The set is colourful and engaging with clever transitions and the costumes do not disappoint. Children will delight in seeing Zog in full skins, 'the real deal' to quote my boys.

But amidst all the razzle dazzle, the show hones in on the less cheery relationship between Pearl and her Uncle who disapproves of Pearls unorthodox career path and banishes her to the tower to be more Princessy.

The central message of following your dreams and not allowing anyone to hold you back is powerful. Although the slightly cringey call and response (Girls can do....fill in the blank Yes or No?) felt over laboured and off the mark. Even the children looked perplexed by this nostalgic nod to bygone attitudes.

Similarly a random lovesong to the NHS and reference to Pearl's Etsy shop may have pricked the ears of parents but was wasted on its early years audience.

Luckily there was lots of child friendly nuance to keep the belly laughs rolling. Particularly enamouring was the charismatic glitter ball hugging unicorn - who my 5yr old theatre critic tells me is 'based on Ubercorn of (popular TV show) Go Jetters'. And of course any mention of 'poo' gets the thumbs up from my boys.

This is a fun, vibrant and cleverly executed show that captured my children's imaginations and sent them home with a spring in their step. I am still singing 'All the other mermaids' days later - a clear sign of a musical winner in my book!

I can guarantee you won't be disappointed by this spectacular show and talented cast. Recommended for ages 3+ although younger welcome and likely to enjoy!

'Zog and the Flying Doctors' will play at Cadogan Hall from 1st -31st August 2024. The production is based on the story by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler and is brought to you by Freckle Productions (Stick Man, Tiddler and other Terrific Tales)

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