The Tiger Who Came To Tea returns to the West End

The Olivier-nominated stage production of The Tiger Who Came To Tea will return to the Theatre Royal Haymarket this summer.

Adapted and directed by Olivier Award winner David Wood, the musical play based on Judith Kerr’s much-loved book will return to the West End from 11 July until 4 September 2022.

Currently touring across the UK with dates booked up to 1 September, the casting for the London production of the family-friendly show will be announced at a later date. This year will mark the musical’s eighth West End season.

Often described as Britain’s best-loved picture book, Kerr’s creation has been charming children since it was first published in 1968, with five million copies sold to date. Wood’s stage musical version premiered in 2008 and has toured extensively both nationally and internationally. In 2012 the production was nominated for the Olivier Award for Best Family Entertainment.

Produced by Nicoll Entertainment Ltd, the creative team for The Tiger Who Came To Tea also includes designer Susie Calcutt, assistant director/choreographer Emma Clayton, music arranger and supervisor Peter Pontzen, lighting designer Tony Simpson with sound design by Shock Productions and magical illusions designed by the former president of the Magic Circle, Scott Penrose.

Announcing the tour which opened earlier this month, Wood said: “The live theatre experience is brilliant at sparking children’s imaginations. I believe all children should be entitled to see exciting theatre; it can make them laugh, gasp, think, and feel – and, of course, entertain them.

“Given the chance to enjoy the story, the music, the magic, the costumes and sets, the sound, the lighting, and the audience participation, in a live performance – for real, before their very eyes – I believe children’s lives are enriched, their horizons widened, and their awareness and sensitivity heightened. Theatre, like all the arts, has the power to transform, inspire and delight.”

Angela Thomas