Show: The Monkey With No Bum – The Musical
Location: Epstein Theatre, Liverpool
Date: Sunday February 20 2022
Time: 13.30
Running Time: 60 Minutes
Age Rating: 2+
Performers: Lindzi Germain, Asa Murphy & Charlie The Monkey
Production Company: Bill Elms Associates
Writer: Asa Murphy
Director: Asa Murphy
This is our theatre review for The Monkey With No Bum – The Musical at Liverpool‘s Epstein Theatre. So, let’s take a look at The Monkey With No Bum – The Musical!
The Monkey With No Bum – The Musical
Synopsis Of The Monkey With No Bum – The Musical
So, this show brings to life this colourful book all about Charlie The Monkey. Now, the setting is Jungle School as we meet the headmaster Mr Plop (Asa Murphy, the writer of the book). And he introduces us to Miss Jolly (Lindzi Germain), who quickly has the kids in attendance laughing. And not just some laughs, but huge, belting laughs as she determines which section of the audience is the loudest. From there, she begins to read us the story itself, but not before an appearance by Charlie himself. Charlie just wants to play, especially after hearing that there may be a party. So, Miss Jolly and Charlie create a party-like atmosphere with a number of songs that involve the audience, from guessing fruits to shaking bums. Oh, yes; the Bum Bum song was a big part of this show!
Onto the story itself then. So, we learn that Charlie is a generally happy young monkey, but there’s just one problem. He doesn’t have a very big bum. In fact, he only has a little bum, and his friends tease him for that fact. So, for his birthday, his parents buy him a gift voucher for The Great Big Bum Shop. And he can pick any bum he wants in terms of size, shape, colour and even pattern! Just before he makes his choice, Charlie’s parents remind him that they love him no matter what his appearance is. And so Charlie has a change of heart as he decides that he is perfect in any way. And that’s the core message of this tale; you’re perfect as you are because you’re unique and special.
Analysis Of The Monkey With No Bum – The Musical
I watched this show during the Liverpool Theatre Festival Of New Works last summer. It was impressive back then, and it’s arguably even more impressive now. That’s because, due to the current lack of Covid restrictions, the show could play to a full house. And indeed the Epstein Theatre was virtually full for this Sunday afternoon treat. It’s a show that aims to entertain and educate; to provide laughs but also offer guidance. And it has such a positive message to take away that it ensures that everybody leaves with a smile.
The show has various highlights, with the Bum Bum song particularly getting the kids to sing and dance. I attended with my nieces, and both of them loved what they saw. They were laughing away, singing along and joining in with all of the dance moves. Furthermore, both left the theatre with a copy of the book, and each wanted to read it again later. That’s a sure sign of a successful show when the young attendees wish to relive the experience. And they can do so when the show comes back to the Epstein Theatre this July.
Summary Of The Monkey With No Bum – The Musical
Having seen this show before, I knew this was going to be a fun afternoon. But for those watching it for the first time, it was a real treat for all ages. And with more songs to come in the July production, it’s well worth attending the Epstein to see it again. Make sure to watch The Monkey With No Bum and remember: you’re all perfect in every way!
Notes
Target Audience: 2+
Content: No Content Likely To Offend
Recommendation?: Yes
Overall Rating: 10/10 – Perfect
The Monkey With No Bum – The Musical Further Link
To purchase the book for The Monkey With No Bum, please click here.
Check Out All Of Our Epstein Theatre Reviews!
Did you see The Monkey With No Bum – The Musical? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
