The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show created by Jonathan Rockefeller and featuring a total of 75 incredible puppets is a visual feast for the eyes. Based on the books by author/illustrator Eric Carle, the performance really makes the characters from the well-read books come alive.
As we entered the theatre, it felt wonderfully calming as the white textured set glowed with spots of light dotted across the surface.
Featuring four stories – Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Busy Spider and The Very Hungry Caterpillar, children – and adults – of all ages are treated to a vibrant, colourful show that really sparks the imagination.
The puppets, deftly manipulated by the puppeteers really bring the stories to life. Each performance was just like opening up a picture book and peeking inside. But the icing on the cake was the titular story,
Carle’s book The Very Hungry Caterpillar was first published 56 years ago in 1969. Since then, it has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide, and been translated into 66 languages.
The stage version of The Very Hungry Caterpillar is exquisitely depicted, taking the audience through the caterpillar’s various life stages. Poppy was particularly animated when it first popped its head out from the egg, and could not take her eyes off it from then on as it munched its way through apples, pears, plums, and everything in between.
All of the puppets are so accurate in design they look like they have stepped out of the picture book in 3D. When the caterpillar transforms into a beautiful butterfly, Poppy was transfixed and you could almost hear the audience gasp. It was a wonderful moment.
Poppy’s verdict
★★★★★
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is at Curve until Friday, March 7. Curve is hosting a relaxed performance of the show on Thursday, March 6 at 1.30pm. tickets £10 – £15.50
