★★★★★

“a unique and quirky production”

Are you looking for a fun filled family show this festive season? Look no further than a trip to the Garrick Theatre for Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas – Returning to the West End this Christmas, join Maddie and friends for a captivating, educational hour for both the children and adults.

Written and created by Maddie Moate, the story bases around Santa’s workshop but with a few spanners thrown in the works. With not much time on their hands before Mrs Claus pays a workshop visit, Tinker the trainee elf (Kira MacCarter) and Goggles, the Head of Elf Safety (Zain Abrahams) must race against time to fix the workshop in the name of science.

Verity Sadler’s set and costume design comes across as both creative and charismatic whilst also bringing a jolly feel to it. Before the beginning of the show you are instantly met with a brightly lit Christmas tree on stage with Christmas labelled sign posts which gives you an idea of how the show is going to play out. The vibrant, fluorescent lighting (Naomi McKinlay) is a great attribute to mesmerise and grab the attention of the audience. Liam McDermott’s sound design also brings much delight and surprise.

This production, with direction from Nic Doodson and Joanna Adeyinka-Burford has audience participation aplenty, including gingerbread, sprouts, a few surprises and many a science experiment for all ages. Slick, energetic choreography with punchy music interludes also knit well into the show.

The most mention though should go to the three actors as well as one virtual appearance from Mrs Claus (Jennie Dale) who all do a marvellous job at bringing the Christmas magic. Maddie Moate keeps her audience drawn in throughout with quick witted humour, excellent line delivery and involving her audience throughout the entirety of the show. Kira MacCarter and Zain Abrahams’ cheeky and joyful portrayal of elves make for an entertaining watch as they accompany Maddie. Jennie Dale is also a brilliant Mrs Claus.

The show of course include the common Christmas show anecdotes such as references to the ‘ghost gag’ though in this case it’s changed slightly to an elf gag to fit the feel of the production.

The piece overall is fantastically put together which brings audiences of all ages together to enjoy what is a unique and quirky production. If you’re looking for a delightful hour of smiles this should definitely be one to put on your Christmas show list!

PEPPA PIG’S BIG FAMILY SHOW

Theatre Royal Haymarket

★★★★

“a warm, playful introduction to theatre for very young audiences”

From the moment the signature theme music swells through the theatre, audiences of every age are gently ushered back into Peppa Pig’s bright, familiar universe. When the much-loved song “Today is the Day” starts up, the tiniest theatregoers practically lift out of their seats, sensing that a full day of play and adventure is about to unfold. The unexpected heart of this new stage outing, however, lies in the introduction of baby Evie — a storyline fans have only just begun to encounter in recent announcements. Seeing it play out live gives the production an immediate emotional charge, as if the young audience has been invited to witness a family milestone from inside the Pig household itself.

Daisy, the show’s human guide, anchors us inside the oversized puppetry world with warmth and clarity. Through her perspective, the children learn what it means to prepare for a new sibling: decorating the house, helping the grown-ups, and sharing in the anticipation. Scenes with Peppa and George preparing baby Evie’s room gently invite children to think about pregnancy, family change, and what it means to welcome someone new. The narrator’s performance is sharply tuned to the cartoon’s vocal style, giving the sense of a television episode brought to life. Music drives the production, with nearly every number built around interactive dance moments — from decorating the house to playing outdoor games — ensuring young viewers seldom sit still for long.

The most inventive sequences come from the show’s playful use of theatre magic. When George cries real water tears, droplets shoot out toward the audience, causing delighted shrieks across the stalls. Later, a glowing nighttime tableau appears as fluorescent ducks, a rising moon, and three enchanted paint buckets emerge from behind a lowered black curtain. Brushes seem to dance and paint on their own, transforming the set in a moment of genuine stagecraft charm.

The second act quietens in tone as baby Evie finally arrives. The entire auditorium lowers its voice to greet the newborn — a surprisingly tender communal moment. A song about Evie learning and growing resonates with parents, especially when the sound of a newborn’s soft cry drifts through the theatre. The finale returns to high energy with a game of musical statues and an appearance from Santa, who, despite resembling a very slim Santa image, delights the children nonetheless.

Where the production falters is in its target age range, the storytelling and interaction level skew strongly toward children aged two to four. For older children, the narrative may feel too simple, closer to an early-years activity session than a full theatrical experience. Meanwhile, for toddlers under two, the long running time can feel demanding.

Overall, this Peppa Pig stage outing delivers exactly what its core audience hopes for: bright colours, gentle humour, familiar songs, and moments of theatrical magic that feel lifted straight from the cartoon. While its age targeting could be clearer, the production succeeds as a warm, playful introduction to theatre for very young audiences — and a charming celebration of Peppa’s ever-expanding family.

Tag Archives: Mark Senior

MADDIE MOATE’S VERY CURIOUS CHRISTMAS

★★★★★

Garrick Theatre

MADDIE MOATE’S VERY CURIOUS CHRISTMAS

Garrick Theatre

★★★★★

“a unique and quirky production”

MADDIE MOATE’S VERY CURIOUS CHRISTMAS

Garrick Theatre

Reviewed on 14th December 2025

by Emily East

Photography by Mark Senior

Maddie Moate

Maddie Moate

Maddie Moate

PEPPA PIG’S BIG FAMILY SHOW

★★★★

UK Tour

PEPPA PIG’S BIG FAMILY SHOW

Theatre Royal Haymarket

★★★★

“a warm, playful introduction to theatre for very young audiences”