Following the news that the much-loved stage adaptation of author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Lydia Monks’ What the Ladybird Heard is heading to the West End this summer, it has been announced this week that the show will continue to entertain families around the country as it embarks on an Autumn tour. The tour will kick off at Birmingham Hippodrome following the highly anticipated West End season at The Palace Theatre this summer, welcoming family friendly live entertainment back to theatres.
“It’s fantastic to see one of my most-loved children’s books, What the Ladybird Heard, returning to the stage, both in the West End and around the UK! After such a hard year it’s important that we can provide creative escapism for young children, and this stage show will do just that. I can’t wait to get back to the theatre and see it myself. I believe audiences are in for a treat! “
Julia Donaldson, Author
Bringing the farmyard to life will be Nikita Johal (Spring Awakening, Hope Mill), Roddy Lynch (A Christmas Carol, Theatre Royal Bath), James Mateo-Salt (The Pirate Queen, London Coliseum), Matthew McPherson (The Jolly Christmas Postman, Oxford Playhouse), and Abigail Middleton (Pig, Royal Court Theatre Liverpool). Showcasing live instrumental music, original songs, puppetry and rhymes galore this exciting adaptation is a treat for the whole family.
A colourful countryside adventure brought to life on stage, What the Ladybird Heard is a fantastic introduction to theatre for the little ones. Packed with plenty of audience participation and full of laughs this retelling of the classic children’s book is the tale of one quiet Ladybird on her quest to save the day!
Lydia Monks, Illustrator and Show Design Consultant
“It’s always a thrill to see my illustrations burst into life on stage and I’m very excited to be involved in this project. Theatre is an important tool for children’s creative development, and I believe this show is the perfect outlet. I look forward to transporting everyone to the farm for a fun family adventure!“
Age recommendation: 3+
Running Time: 55 minutes (no interval)
Find out more at www.whattheladybirdheardlive.co.uk
Tour dates:
15 July to 29 August: The Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 5AY https://www.nimaxtheatres.com/shows/what-the-ladybirdheard/
16 to 18 September: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Southside, Birmingham B5 4TB https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/ladybirdheard/
23 to 24 September: The Radlett Centre, Aldenham Avenue, Radlett WD7 8HL
https://www.radlettcentre.co.uk/What-s-On/Children/What-theLadybird-Heard
25 to 26 September: Tonbridge School E M Forster Theatre, The Box Office, High Street Entrance, Tonbridge TN9 1JP
https://emftheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows/11736117822
30 September to 3 October: Leicester Curve Studio, Alexandra House, 60 Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1SB
https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/what-theladybird-heard-2/
7 to 10 October: Taunton Brewhouse, Coal Orchard, Taunton TA1 1JL
https://www.thebrewhouse.net/event/what-the-ladybird-heard/2021/
12 to 13 October: Lanark Memorial Hall, 13 St Leonard Street, Lanark ML11 7AB
https://www.sllcboxoffice.co.uk/enGB/shows/what%20the%20ladybird%20heard/events
16 to 17 October: The Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
https://thelowry.com/whats-on/what-the-ladybird-heard/
20 to 24 October: Churchill Theatre, Bromley,High Street, Bromley BR1 1HA
https://churchilltheatre.co.uk/Online/tickets-what-the-ladybirdheard-bromley-2021
26 to 31 October: Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, London N12 0GA
https://www.artsdepot.co.uk/
3 to 6 November: Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham,10 Regent St, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ
https://www.everymantheatre.org.uk/shows/what-the-ladybirdheard/
24 to 27 November: Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/what-the-ladybirdheard/milton-keynes-theatre/
2 to 4 December: Southampton MAST, 144 Above Bar St, Southampton SO14 7DU
https://www.mayflowerstudios.org.uk/whatson/what-the ladybird-heard-2021/