A new family musical by Stiles and Drewe running at the Palace Theatre.
Originally commissioned in 2012 for a theatre company in Singapore, The 3 Little Pigs has now arrived in the West End. And if you’re going to pitch up in Theatreland, where better to build your houses of straw, sticks and bricks than the Palace Theatre?
Whilst ensuring that parents aren’t forgotten in this latest collaboration between composer George Stiles and lyricist Anthony Drewe, The 3 Little Pigs, which is a musical incarnation of the classic fairy story, is most definitely aimed at a younger audience. And judging by the reactions of the children around me, it looks like this talented duo have certainly pitched this 55-minute piece of porcine theatricality perfectly.
Jason Denvir’s simple but effective design and charming costumes help to set the scene as we are introduced to our eponymous heroes Bar, Bee & Q along with Mother Pig whose character is neatly used to deliver the back story as to why the Big Bad Wolf has become their nemesis. I’m pleased to say that the book is true to the story we all know and love – no point in messing with a classic – so there are no prizes for guessing how this all ends.
There are strong performances throughout from this talented company. Taofique Folarin delivers a highly-energised Bar, the always enjoyable Leanne Jones certainly doesn’t disappoint as the environmentally conscious Bee and Daniel Buckley’s book-smart Q brings a joy and vitality to the role that clearly connects with the audience. Alison Jiear shines as Mother Pig delivering a well-rounded (in every sense thanks to the padding) performance that underlines her true star quality. My only gripe would be with Simon Webbe’s Big Bad Wolf. Somewhat out of his depth, Webbe’s wolf lacks some of the charisma and villainous charm that this role requires.
Stiles and Drewe are an extremely talented duo and always produce witty, clever theatre with a guaranteed ear-worm of a tune to send you on your way. This is the perfect family show and a welcome guest to the West End for the summer. Will you be blown away? Maybe not. But your kids will be.
Daryl Bennett
