Stick Man Live: Theatre Show Review

The children’s book Stick Man is a favourite with my two daughters. They just love the story of the hapless character. Seeing Stick Man brought to life on stage was therefore a must. In fact, we have returned to watch Stick Man Live three times at London’s Leicester Square theatre. But how does the popular book, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, convert to theatre? Is the Stick Man theatre show worth booking tickets to see?

In the story, Stick Man unwittingly goes from one calamity to another. He tries to avoid being chewed, turned into a nest, used as a mast or ending up as firewood. Will he ever get home to the family tree and his children? My daughter affectionately calls the “baby” Stick Men…”one, two, three baby Stick Man”.

I have always loved the theatre, both watching and performing on stage, so it felt natural to get my daughters into it. I also think it’s an important way to help them learn. I’m all for exposing them to as many positive experiences as possible – just like our travel mantra. I was also intrigued as to how a 32-page book – with only a few sentences on each page – could be spun out to an hour long performance.

Stick Man Live Review

We went to see Stick Man Live at The Leicester Square theatre but it is also on at many theatres throughout the UK. Freckle Productions are behind the Stick Man theatre show and performances are usually shown during the winter months. Anyone who knows the book, is aware of an appearance of Santa Claus at the end so is a perfect festive theatre productions for younger children.

The Leicester Square theatre is fairly small but perfect for this a children’s theatre productions such as Stick Man Live. There are booster seats available which is worth using so smaller children can get a good view of the stage. My daughter was under two years old when she first saw Stick Man Live. She settled down, a little confused, as she watched her favourite book being brought to life on the stage.

The set was simple so relied heavily on the talents of the fantastic three actors who seamlessly went from one character and costume to another. They broke off occasionally  to play a variety of instruments. The enchanting score by Benji Bower helped the production bounce along. Freckle Productions has also adapted Julia Donaldson’s Zog and Tiddler so it is in very good hands.

I was very impressed with the Stick Man theatre show. The performers working in children’s theatre have to be all the more expressive and captivating in their delivery and I marvelled at their boundless energy. It is much needed when playing a relentless dog intent on getting a stick – or Stick Man himself. The main character is represented on stage as a prop and a human character. It gave me a huge respect for the actors and, in turn, whilst lacking in the glamour stakes, I can imagine they get a lot from the laughter and interaction with their young audience.

Stick Man Live Verdict

While not as vocal as many there, Mrs T sat on her own seat, sucking her thumb, mesmerised (much like when we went to see In The Night Garden Live). Half way through she climbed onto my lap and really started to take note with many smiles and exclamations of “Oh, Stick Man”.

At just over two years old on our first visit, Mrs T was still a little young. But although she may not have understood all of it, she thoroughly enjoyed the experience. At one hour long, it was enough for her attention span and a perfect introduction to theatre. She had a great time – and so did I! We made it a proper girlie trip by going for lunch afterwards and wandering through London. For fans of the book, I would thoroughly recommend going to see the Stick Man theatre production.

Where to see Stick Man Live

The Stick Man show is running at the Leicester Square theatre most days until 3 Jan 2022. Stick Man Live is also on tour. Book tickets for the Stick Man Live in London  or check out some of the tour dates.

There are many other London theatre shows for toddlers and young children on this festive season. There’s a brand new Peppa Pig show, Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever, showing at London’s Theatre Royal. We have previously watched one of the Peppa Pig shows: read our review of Peppa Pig’s Adventure. For older children, who can sit through a longer production, David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny is on until 9 January 2022.

Stick Man Live Revisited

We went to see Stick Man in theatre again in November 2016 when Mrs T was four. She got much more out of it this time. There was plenty of interaction and involvement, confidently shouting out in the appropriate places.

The play itself seemed even BETTER than I remember. There was more audience participation and jokes aimed at grown ups too. I kept hearing a loud, adult laugh in amongst the children. It was me, chuckling away without even realising it. My husband came this time and it surpassed his expectations. Just get there in plenty of time to grab a booster seat. My daughter had to make do with sitting on a pile of coats as we didn’t have much time to spare.

On our third visit to see Stick Man in December 2018, our youngest daughter, Cheeky, joined us. At two and a half years old, she thoroughly enjoyed the experience while my eldest, at six years old, still viewed it as though it was her first time. We all came home singing the catchy main song.

“Stick Man…lives in the family tree, with his stick lady love and his stick children…one, two, three.”

Stick Man Live is a joy for the whole family and is suitable for children aged two and upwards. We will continue to go and see the theatre production for as long as they to enjoy reading the Stick Man book.