MOG’S CHRISTMAS
Royal and Derngate Theatre
★★★★★
“this enchanting production is a festive treat not to be missed”
Step into ‘Mog’s Christmas’, a charming, beautifully staged adaptation of Judith Kerr’s beloved books. With its inventive direction, energetic performances and festive spirit, this production is a true Christmas delight for the whole family.
It’s been a busy year for Mog and the Thomases. They remember how her forgetful antics saved the day in spring, and a summer mishap led to a chaotic trip to the V-E-T. Now, amid the hustle and bustle of the festive season, Mog finds herself making a break for the calm of the roof (!). Can the Thomases coax her back in time for Christmas?
The Wardrobe Ensemble’s adaptation blends ‘Mog the Forgetful Cat’, ‘Mog and the V.E.T.’ and ‘Mog’s Christmas’ into a year of antics. It stays largely true to Kerr’s prose while adding playful asides, music, dance and vibrant staging to bring the beloved books to life.
Helena Middleton’s direction channels Kerr’s gentle humour and warmth, lifting the stories off the page with wit and heart – from Mrs Thomas’ pea aria to her polite offer of tea to a burglar. The staging deftly unites three tales within the Thomas home, with inventive set changes marking new spaces and the passage of time. Portraying Mog with an actor (Faye Lord) perfectly embodies feline idiosyncrasies, communicating entirely through physicality and meows. Performances are lively enough to keep children enthralled yet nuanced enough to engage adults, with standout comic highlights including Mog’s expressive reactions and the cry dancing finale.
Composer Joey Hickman, with contributions from David Ridley and onstage musical direction by Daniella Agredo Piper, crafts a rich and varied soundscape that carries us through the seasons of Mog’s life. From plonky comic interludes to sweeping, grandiose passages, the score deepens the emotion of every scene. Songs add character and cheerfully portray key beats from Kerr’s books. The only number that feels slightly overlong is ‘Bother Mog’ – though as a cat owner, I’m biased against the gleeful smear campaign (justice for Mog!).
Catriona Giles’ movement direction is slick and well choreographed. Buoyant dancing appeals to children while capturing Kerr’s sweetness. Scene transitions are impressively tight and dynamic. A standout moment is the V.E.T. sequence, where simple yet inventive movement transforms a static waiting room into a burst of comic fun.
Laura McEwen’s set and costume design shifts effortlessly through moods, spaces, and seasons. The geometric, stripe tinged set evokes Kerr’s pencil illustrations, while the colourful costumes bring a quintessentially British spirit. Lucía Sánchez Roldán’s lighting design is artful and dynamic, using subtle shifts in tone and focus to mask set changes and define contrasting spaces. The Christmas lights encircling the auditorium is a delightful touch. Beth Duke’s sound design brilliantly mirrors the chaos of a forgetful cat, with a slickly handled effects desk amplifying the comedy. Mog’s yowls are perfectly balanced within a cohesive mix that ties the production together.
Faye Lord adorably embodies Mog, stealing our hearts with charming physicality and expressiveness. Tom England proves a versatile and engaging narrator across multiple roles, bringing energy, charisma, and strong vocals. Heather Porte’s Mrs Thomas shines with a beautiful soprano voice and quirky expressiveness, especially in the frantic V.E.T. dash. Ben Vardy’s Mr Thomas is grounded yet cheeky, while Aimee Louise Bevan’s Debbie and Jesse Meadows’ Nicky bring an endearing playfulness. The ensemble is rounded out by Daniella Agredo Piper, impressively juggling music, acting, and puppetry.
Mog has captured the hearts of generations of children, and ‘Mog’s Christmas’ does her story proud. Tenderly adapted and beautifully staged, this enchanting production is a festive treat not to be missed.
MOG’S CHRISTMAS
Royal and Derngate Theatre
Reviewed on 10TH December 2025
by Hannah Bothelton
Photography by Manuel Harlan
Previously reviewed at this venue:
TAMBO & BONES | ★★★ | March 2025
MOBY DICK | ★★★★★ | April 2024
THE FROGS | ★★½ | January 2024
2:22 A GHOST STORY | ★★★ | January 2024
