I WANT MY HAT BACK TRILOGY
Little Angel Studios
★★★★★
“witty, visually inventive, and profoundly charming”
There is a specific kind of alchemy that happens at the Little Angel Theatre, and this production of the I Want My Hat Back Trilogy is perhaps its purest form. Directed by Ian Nicholson with design by Sam Wilde, this adaptation of Jon Klassen’s beloved picture books is a triumphant celebration of imagination, sustainability, and the sheer joy of storytelling.
From the moment the audience enters, the fourth wall is not just broken; it is warmly dismantled by a spread of autumn leaves that transforms the stage. We are met with a greeting so inviting that it immediately dispels the stiffness often associated with theatre.
The genius of this production lies in its visual language. Sam Wilde’s design creates a universe entirely out of recycled cardboard, invoking a style of Object Theatre where the material itself carries meaning. By retaining the raw texture, the production invites the audience to engage in “active imagining.” The versatility of the material is astonishing: eyes change to convey suspicion, and scale fluctuates for comedic effect. When the Bear appears, his deadpan expression—achieved through simple manipulation—is a lesson in visual literacy, proving that a simple box can become a living, breathing character.
The production is anchored by its two performers, Michael Larcombe and Paige Leavy. To borrow a sentiment often expressed in ensemble theatre, these two alone hold up a rich stage, and their performance is exquisite. Larcombe and Leavy are not just puppeteers; they are vocal chameleons. Their transition between voices—from the grumbling, confused Bear to the fast-talking, humorous mumbling of the giant fish—is seamless. They navigate the space with a physical precision that keeps the energy high without ever feeling chaotic. Their ability to switch between narration and character embodiment creates a layered storytelling experience that grips both children and adults.
The show masterfully blends participation with spectacle. We are invited to “make a fish at home,” but even those who arrive empty-handed are swept up in a delightful “fish hand dance,” turning the audience into an extension of the set. And the pacing is impeccable. The comedic tension of the Bear looking for his hat balances beautifully with the quieter, more philosophical moments. The segment involving the two tortoises finding a hat features a sunset sequence that is genuinely moving—a testament to how theatrical lighting and sound can imbue simple objects with profound emotional weight.
The production concludes with a heartwarming introduction where the creative team and cast are named on paperboard—a meta-theatrical nod that humanizes the performers and establishes a communal atmosphere.
For children under six, this is more than just a show; it is a foundational course in theatre appreciation. It teaches them to read theatrical signs, to understand character through voice and movement, and to believe in the magic of a handmade world.
I Want My Hat Back Trilogy is witty, visually inventive, and profoundly charming. It reminds us that you don’t need a million-pound budget to create magic—just some cardboard, two gifted actors, and a hat. It is a masterclass in cardboard magic: the perfect introduction to theatre for kids.
I WANT MY HAT BACK TRILOGY
Little Angel Studios
Reviewed on 8th February 2026
by Portia Yuran Li
Photography by Suzi Corker
