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Tabby McTat



My family are huge Julia Donaldson fans and Tabby McTat has remained a firm favourite as my daughter has grown up. We love the clever rhymes and the busker’s songs. So, when we heard about Freckle Production’s Tabby McTat stage show coming to Lichfield Garrick Theatre, we jumped at the chance to see it. We were to finally find out if the Busker’s songs were how we had imagined and sung them countless times.


It was a full house at The Garrick and the sense of excitement and anticipation from the children and parents was palpable. It seems Tabby McTat is a favourite among many families! We had a great view from the gently tiered seating in the stalls. Whilst the children waited for the show to start, the actors wandered the aisles and warmed up the audience even sitting amongst the children as the show started.







I was surprised that Samuel Sprat was first on stage as he comes towards the end of the story in book. Today, however, Samuel was telling the story and he got the audience laughing right from the start. The different characters in the book were represented by four talented actors using different hats to show which character role they were in. This was clearly explained to the audience so the children knew what was going on.








When I asked Little Lady about her favourite part of the show, the answer was clear - the songs! The songs were short, punchy and amusing. Some had actions and others had accompanying dances. By the end of the show, the audience were up on their feet joining in with the words and actions. However, the highlight song for my daughter was Samuel Sprat’s rap. It was a fun and unexpected surprise that was clearly very popular with the children.



There were other great surprises too, such as the conjuror in the square when Tabby McTat went searching for the busker. This part wasn’t brushed over but we were treated to some engaging magic tricks on stage that impressed the children who were watching closely.

I have seen other stage adaptations of Julia Donaldson books and can honestly say that this was one of the best! The show lasted for almost an hour and kept the family audience brilliantly entertained.  This stage show uses all the best bits of the book creatively and complemented our ideas about how the busker’s songs sounded - even providing opportunity for us join in and sing along.



Thanks to Lichfield Garrick for inviting us along to see this entertaining show.
www.lichfieldgarrick.com
Stick Man is coming soon to the Garrick on 11thand 12thNovember 2018



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