As Julia Donaldson fans, we decided to check out Tiddler Live as it also included some of our favourite stories, Monkey Puzzle, Smartest Giant in Town and Squash and a Squeeze. It follows our annual tradition to visit the theatre such as What the Lady Bird Heard and Frozen.
Date Visited: Wednesday, 3rd August 2022
Location: Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, London
Getting There: Short walk from Sloane Square Underground station
Cost: Booked during the August special for theatre where kids go free to certain productions with a fee paying adult. In this case, it was £27 in total for the both of us.
Review:
Nice and easy to get to Cadogan Hall, a stone’s throw from Sloane Square Underground. Entry to the show was a straightforward scan of the tickets, and we had enough time to grab a tea and pop to the loo downstairs before the show started. It’s a large hall with plenty of space so you’re not breathing on top of the person in front. For the smaller kids, there are booster seats to aid their viewing. On this occasion, we were seating in Row A which provided a clear view of the show, although Cara forgot to bring her glasses!
The hour-long production itself is very slick and well done, with three main performers utilising all sorts of props and instruments. It’s interesting to see how they transitioned from each story, albeit slightly confusing at first. Compared to the other children productions we have seen, there was minimal audience interaction and participation. This meant some kids in the audience, including Cara, started to get restless after about 40 minutes. The show itself follows the narration of the books, a couple of steps edited out for timing reasons I assume. For example, there was no ‘socks for a fox’ in the Smartest Giant in Town part. Nevertheless, it was a smooth and entertaining performance.
Post-show
After the show, if your budget allows, walk down to Benihana in Chelsea. It’s another performance, this time where the chef entertains and cooks for you on the teppanyaki hibachi. Cara may have enjoyed watching this more! Flying prawn tails, onion volcano fires, and food. It’s interactive and the chefs are great at involving the kids.
On the walk back to the station, we stopped by Maitre Choux for dessert, where Cara enjoyed a gold eclair. Great way to round out the day.
Ratings:
Burn Time: 4 out of 5 – Lovely day out during the school holidays, spending time with Cara.
Value: 4 out of 5 – Ticket wise is was affordable, especially during the August Kids Week. There are also cheaper food options for lunch, plenty to choose from along King’s Road.
Overall: 4 out of 5 – Beats being behind the desk for work, great day spent with family time.
Are there any other theatre shows you recommend? Let us know in the comments below.
