ME…
Little Angel Theatre
★★★★
“a snow-kissed poem of a show”
Based on Emma Dodd’s beloved picture book, Me is a tender and beautifully judged piece of early-years theatre from Little Angel Theatre, capturing the enormity of love through the eyes of the little ones.
The theatrical experience begins before the lights even dim: children are instantly drawn to the striking parent-penguin puppet perched atop a gleaming white iceberg, a visually charming beacon that sparks curiosity and excited whispers across the theatre. Little Angel Theatre—long established as a leader in high-quality puppetry for young audiences, understands its audience deeply— expertly folds this anticipation into the dramaturgy, turning waiting into play.
Directed with warmth and clarity by Samantha Lane, the production offers a visually cohesive and elegantly minimal world. Simon Plumridge’s crisp, monochrome design evokes the Arctic with simple, clever transformations, ensuring that focus remains on the central relationship rather than visual clutter. The show’s most delightful surprise is that it is powered entirely by a single performer: Clarke Edwards brings irresistible charm and humour to the tiny protagonist, imbuing “Me” with a lively spirit through quick vocal shifts, expressive puppetry and playful physical comedy. Every shake of snow from the baby penguin’s feathers earns collective giggles, and Edwards transitions between multiple characters with an ease that keeps young audiences fully engaged.
Jimmy Grimes’s puppet design adds soft textures and expressive nuances that encourage connection — which is exactly why little hands repeatedly stretch toward the stage before parents gently pull them back. With very minimal spoken text, Arran Glass’s lyrical score becomes an essential storyteller, seamlessly guiding emotional shifts and helping children follow the journey. Audience participation is woven in with care: cheers erupt each time the little penguin succeeds, while the chorus of children calling out “Little one?” adorably dissolves the fourth wall. Even the playful moment of counting penguins in the theatre reinforces the show’s central theme — that in an enormous world, love makes you feel visible, valued and big.
If anything, a touch more variation could benefit children at the upper end of the age bracket; a few repeated waddling and sliding sequences feel slightly prolonged. But this is a minor note within an otherwise perfectly pitched work.
Ultimately, Me knows exactly who it is for and honours that audience with generosity. It is a snow-kissed poem of a show — celebrating wonder, protection and the courage of growing up. A heartfelt reminder that love, quiet and constant, is the biggest thing of all.
ME…
Little Angel Theatre
Reviewed on 22nd November 2025
by Portia Yuran Li
Photography by Ellie Kurttz
Previously reviewed at Little Angel venues:
A SQUASH AND A SQUEEZE | ★★★ | March 2025
