The Tiger Who Came To Tea is a gentle, beautifully presented show for very young children.

This fairly faithful adaptation of the children’s classic follows Sophie, her parents and a tiger through a cosy domestic story of excessive biscuit eating. I was deeply charmed by the actors, whose clear and warm physicality really brought the show to life. I also loved the disappearing food effects, which created a real sense of awe - even in me.

It was so clear that every effort had been made to make this play accessible and unthreatening to the very young audience, from the cast’s clear interactions and direction of what was going to happen to the presentation of the tiger (who looks intimidating in stills, but is played with a lovely warm physicality that successfully declaws him). I particularly liked the lighting design right at the start - the house lights were dimmed slowly, over the course of a few minutes, so there was never a moment when the children were plunged into darkness.

Because of all this, this would make an absolutely ideal first show for a toddler, or a great option to take a preschooler and a baby to together. I’m surprised by the age guidance of 3+, as I felt it would have been just as suitable for my 3.5 year old one or even two years ago.

This show is much more lo-fi than some of the other big children’s shows. Compared to the recent Bluey show, for instance, there was a lot less going on, much more repetition, and a simpler, classier, lower stimulation environment. You will know if this is right for your child and family! It’s certainly a show I think that my child could see with my parents (who do NOT like loud annoying noises and flashing lights) but perhaps not for a boisterous 5 year old who wants something more anarchic.