We went to watch the spectacular Very Hungry Caterpillar Show today at the ArtsDepot, and it was just fantastic.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show has been on Tour around the globe for over five years. They bring all of Eric Carle’s timeless classics to life on stage.
The show has been created by Jonathan Rockefeller and features over 75 magical puppets, including the star of the show –The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
The day before the show we received our tickets by text message. We were allocated seats based on our families/ social bubble. When we arrived we were allocated to a number. Our number was the space we would have to wait in before it was time to go into the theatre. This was done to maintain social distancing. Once it was time to go in each group is ushered in one by one. I must admit it was quite seamless and social distancing was definitely maintained before, during and after the show.
Alongside the Very Hungry Caterpillar, the show features three other Eric Carle stories:
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?;
10 little rubber ducks; and
The very lonely firefly.
Sorry, but how amazing is that! You get four stories one.
I think our favourite was The very lonely firefly. This was a darks scene compared to the other three stories. The creativity with the firefly torches was fantastic. Fireworks spectacular got everyone by surprised and excited with the super creative string, which is a perfect prelude to the long-awaited caterpillar.
What drew me to booking this was a simple fact it is designed and aimed at babies from 1 year old. Most productions tend to be aimed at three years old. So, this was fantastic for my boys for 27 months and 12 months. The show also includes performers and actors apart from the puppets, which gives it an excellent dynamic. The puppets come in all shapes and sizes. Some are big like Brown Bear; Some are small like the Lonely Firefly; There are lots of colourful animals too.
Let’s be honest which child doesn’t like animals. This show is a match made in heaven for any child and nostalgic for any parent. So many familiar subjects are touched on, such as colour and numbers.
The show itself is only 50 minutes with no interval. This was perfect for the boys, short enough to keep them engaged and long enough to be worthwhile. Furthermore, you have storytelling, acting, dancing and lots of puppets! I keep going on about the puppets because they’re amazing. We loved it if you can get tickets for London hurry, if not Herford is your next option.
The important bits
Where is it?
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show– ArtsDepot, 5 Nether St, North Finchley, London N12 0GA
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas ft. Dream Snow– Hertford Theatre, The Wash, Hertford SG14 1PS
When is it open?
24 – 27 Oct London
12 Dec 2020 – 3 Jan 2021 Hertford
How much is it?
London
- £9 – 20 pp
- Babes in Arms (for children under 18 mos.) FREE
Hertford
- £16.50 pp
- Family (4 tickets) £60
- Babes in Arms (for children under 18 mos.) FREE
Who is it suitable for?
1 yr. +
How long is it?
London- 50 mins (no interval)
Hertford- 60 mins (no interval)
Other information
Baby Changing Facilities available
Plenty of tables for picnics and cafe for drinks and light refreshments
FREE off-road parking on evening and Sundays
Buggy park on the ground floor, the lift is not working.
Would we come back?
Yes, I just so well produced.
Other Things to do Nearby
The Moon – Get to Know our Nearest Neighbour Exhibition at the ArtsDepot 26 – 31 Oct
We visited on Sunday 25 October 2020; the above information is correct as of that date.
**Photo Credits Russ Rowland
