This summer’s family production at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is a musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile. A vibrant jungle adventure with puppets, peril, and plenty of monkey nuts, it’s a visual treat for families and young theatre-goers alike. Bedfordshire Mum and family have never been to this iconic venue before, so we sent them on a mission to see what happens when you smile at a crocodile.
From the moment we arrived at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, the atmosphere was buzzing. Upbeat music, an inviting food and drink area, and an inviting ice cream stand made the space feel festive and family-friendly. There was ample room for buggies and plenty of picnic benches, which added to the relaxed, welcoming vibe.
The jungle-inspired set was beautifully integrated into the leafy surroundings, with rocky textures and playful details that immediately transported us into the world of the story. Smokey bubbles drifting into the audience built anticipation before the show even began.
Costume and puppetry were cleverly woven together, creating a fun animal ensemble that brought the characters to life with flair and humour. The ensemble cast delivered a high-energy performance, with impressive multi-role work that kept the characters distinct. Siobhan Athwal stood out with their dynamic portrayal of Muggle Wump the Monkey—nimble, expressive, and full of great moves.
The heart of the story lies in the Enormous Crocodile’s “secret plans and clever tricks,” which were playfully adapted for the stage. While the production strayed slightly from the original book, it did so with purpose. Teddy was completely absorbed in the suspense of children lost in the jungle, and I found myself wishing for even more sneaky schemes from the Croc!
The narrative also introduced themes of teamwork and bravery, giving the animal characters more depth. While the message was clear, the repeated refrain about being brave felt slightly overdone. This is a musical, and while the songs added energy and helped build the world, they weren’t the most memorable aspect of the production. That said, the cast’s vocal performances were strong, and the musical numbers did a great job of engaging the audience—especially the younger ones.
Interactive moments were a highlight. Teddy was thrilled to throw monkey nuts at the Crocodile, and the audience’s laughter and gasps added to the communal joy of the experience.
This show was always going to be a hit with Teddy—he’s wild about crocodiles and animals in general—and it didn’t disappoint. He was captivated from start to finish, and we had a blast too. Colourful, fun, and visually inventive, The Enormous Crocodile the Musical is a delightful family outing in a great venue. Catch it while you can.
The Enormous Crocodile runs at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre from 15 August to 7 September 2025. We received complimentary tickets to the press performance on 19 August 2025.