What the Ladybird Heard is a book by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks. We’ve had this book for a while now and it’s one I love to read. Bright and colourful images with a fun rhyming flow. I’m so glad it’s now been adapted for stage. This 55 minute show is perfect for kids of all ages, it’s aimed for 3+.
You don’t need to have read the book as they tell the story during the show but if you have it’s exciting to see all the characters come to life.
The show is very musical and even contains a flute and guitar. There is plenty of audience participation and they even encourage kids to shout out the answers at certain parts of the show – perfect if your little one doesn’t like to stay quiet for too long.
As well as Pops, MD (my nephew) and his mum joined us for the show, this was MD’s first proper sit down theatre show and although he has never read the book he did get into it. He especially liked seeing the cats move and talk.
Pops got really into the music and would clap along in time (something MM hates so I bet he’s glad he couldn’t make it) she was really good at calling out the animals too.
I wasn’t sure how they could make the book stretch to a show, it’s not a very long read but it comes across so well. The addition of songs and the story of making animals out of props found around the farm fit so well alongside the books plot.
A lovely family show that will have you laughing and clapping along throughout.
The show is running at The New Theatre Cardiff until the 25th of February and then moves on to Its international tour.
Are you fans of the book?
Until the next post,
Are and Pops.
Thanks to The New Theatre Cardiff for inviting us along and providing tickets for this review.
