What the Ladybird Heard Review – A Theatre Production

On Tuesday 12th June 2018 my daughter and I were invited along to Birmingham Hippodrome, the city’s largest theatre.  The production was of What the Ladybird Heard, based on the ever so popular and award-winning picture book.  Written by Julia Donaldson (what parent hasn’t heard of her!) and Lydia Monks, this book is a huge hit with children.  So we were super excited to see this book acted out in front of us on stage!

This was also W’s first time to the theatre and she was so excited.  I don’t think she realised how huge the theatre was going to be! Prior to our 1.30pm showing, we were greeted in the lobby by a selection of craft tables.  We joined the table where puppets and ladybirds were being created!  Before too long, it was time to take our seats and get ready for the spectacular show of What the Ladybird Heard.

What the Ladybird Heard

The story is based on a farm where two crafty robbers are out to steal the Farmer’s fine prize cow.  One tiny ladybird witnesses their plan taking place and works with the farm animals to catch them out.  We got to meet woolly sheep, the hairy dog, the fat red hen and the dainty dog in this hit musical.  From the moment the curtains came up, we were greeted with fantastic catchy songs, live music and puppetry.  The puppetry when down great with the children who especially loved the prize cow!

There was audience participation and lots of humour.  The theatre was full of laughter and giggles from all the children.  There was one particular character called Lanky Len that was a particular favourite for my daughter and I!

Our verdict

The production for What the Ladybird Heard lasted 55 minutes which I felt was the perfect amount of time.  Children can get fidgety and lose interest pretty quick, however I have to say all the children did seem transfixed.  W really enjoyed the show and was talking about the characters on our journey home from the theatre.

She especially enjoyed the end of the show where all the children joined in signing and dancing (even us grown up’s too!)  The  wacky songs were so catchy and really easy to pick up and follow along.   Both W and I really enjoyed joining in with every animal sound imaginable and watching the parade of animals made out of the Farm’s equipment!

The four strong cast for What the Ladybird Heard gave it 100%.  It must be difficult being on stage for pretty much a full hour.  But they didn’t disappoint and they constantly remained upbeat.  Matt Jopling who plays Lanky Len was the winning performance for me and had me belly laughing with his silly voice and his eccentric demeanour.  He plays one of the thieves along with Edward Way whose character is Hefty Hugh.  Together, they work perfectly and bounce of each others mischievous and crafty personalities.  We had a wonderful time!

This charming production is perfect for children aged 3 years and over.  Babies in arms up to the age of 18 months are permitted.

The cost of a ticket is £14 or a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) at £50.  To see if What the Ladybird Heard is visiting your local theatre, click here.

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*This is a collaborative post.  We were gifted two tickets to the production of What the Ladybird Heard. I decided to write a blog post about our experience.  All words and opinions are my own*