There are many theatre shows suitable for very young children aged 1 + that have been called ‘the perfect show to introduce children to the joys of live theatre’ but the Rockefeller production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show is definitely right up there at number one. The generation of youngsters seeing it now at a very impressionable age are very fortunate indeed. It’s bright and engaging. It’s very colourful storytelling and it is done with great love. The puppetry is charmingly done. It’s the tops! The cast of actor-puppeteers includes Karyn Claydon, Katie Haygarth, Ben Murrell, Jonathan Norman, Amber-Rose Perry and Adam Ryan.

Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is based on the much adored series of books by Eric Carle and with it being a Christmas show this production also features a story from Eric Carle’s Dream Snow. Carle’s favourite titles are all played out vibrantly on stage and feature an astonishing 75 lovable puppets and delightful music accompaniment. Today the little children and their young mums all enjoyed Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, Dream Snow and the most popular story of all The Very Hungry Caterpillar, a story that is now 53 years young from original publication in 1969. It has been translated into 62 languages and sold over 54 million copies, remaining one of the top ten bestselling children’s books of all time.

Over the years Eric Carle’s books have captivated generations of readers with their iconic hand-painted illustrations and distinctively simple stories, introducing millions of children to a bigger, brighter world, and to their first experience of reading itself. Carle has illustrated more than seventy books, most of which he also wrote, and more than 169 million copies of his books have sold around the world.

The Hungry Caterpillar Show is created for the stage by Jonathan Rockefeller and presented by MEI Worldwide, one of the leading independent producers of live family entertainment across Europe, the Asia-Pacific and EMEA. Recent productions include The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show (West End and UK Tour), Twirlywoos Live! (Underbelly Festival and UK Tour) and Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday (Polka Theatre and UK Tour).

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show first premiered in Australia in 2015 before opening in New York at the Acorn Theatre in January 2016. The New York production broke box office records and attracted celebrities with families including Chelsea Clinton, Emily Blunt, Neil Patrick Harris and Diane Sawyer. The show had its West End premiere at the Ambassadors Theatre in December 2016 and has since played multiple seasons in London and across the UK.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show runs at Curve 16 – 31 December. To find out more and book, visit www.curveonline.co.uk, call 0116 242 3595 or visit the Box Office in-person.

Running time: 55-minutes with no interval

Suitable for ages 1+