Show: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Location: Playhouse Theatre, Liverpool
Dates: Thursday July 15-Saturday July 17 2021
Times: 11.00, 13.00 & 16.00
Running Time: 45 Minutes
Age Rating: 1+
Production Company: Rockefeller Productions
Writer: Jonathan Rockefeller
This is our theatre review for The Very Hungry Caterpillar at Liverpool‘s Playhouse Theatre. Now, this is a great show for young children to see live. So, let’s take a look at The Very Hungry Caterpillar!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Synopsis
This show brings to life the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Now, this is a classic children’s tale that provides colour, education and interaction. Those who read the book will instantly relate to this show due to it incorporating every element of the publication in a large-scale form. So, we get to see the caterpillar in numerous sizes, from a baby to a growing caterpillar to an overly large animal after eating too much! And we also get to see the big climax of the show, which would garner a huge response from the children in attendance.
This happens via numerous actors that also act as puppeteers to bring to life the famous creature. But they do so for other stories that we hear during this show as well. And those tales are Brown Bear, Brown Bear; 10 Little Rubber Ducks; and The Very Lonely Firefly. The stories last around 10 minutes each, and they all have animals and props to wow the younger attendees. And of course, each of the tales has a happy ending to bring smiles to the faces of the children.
Analysis
It was clear throughout that the kids were loving the show, and rightfully so. For starters, the animals would range in size, colour and impact, allowing each one to draw gasps and laughs. Furthermore, the puppets themselves were very effective, with a boost coming from authentic animal sounds and mannerisms. Then, there’s the interactive aspect of the show, with the kids getting to join in with the story readings. This would particularly apply to the Caterpillar tale, but each of the stories was easy to follow. And even if some are hearing these stories for the first time, you can enjoy hearing them even more.
There’s also something cute about seeing the books come to life on the stage. And I say that because the kids will read the books many times over, joining in and laughing along. But you very rarely get to see the likes of the caterpillar, the bear, the ducks and the firefly in front of you. And especially when their designs are so authentic, so huge in size, and so colourful that they provide lasting memories. So, I can imagine the kids telling their family and friends about this show for many days to come. And that’s when you know that the show has achieved its primary goal of totally mesmerising younger attendees.
Summary
Every parent should take their children to see The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The show flies by while maintaining a slow pace, and there are many “wow” moments for the kids. And when you add how they can join in with the readings, this becomes a hugely enjoyable experience. Make sure to attend one of the tour dates, because this is a treat all the way through.
Notes
Target Audience: 1+
Content: No Content Likely To Offend
Recommendation?: Yes
Overall Rating: 10/10 – Perfect
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Further Links
For more information about The Very Hungry Caterpillar, click here.
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