Our family recently celebrated my birthday with a special outing to The Lowry's Quays Theatre to see Charlie Cook's Favourite Book, a birthday treat that had been eagerly anticipated for weeks. This brand-new musical adaptation of the beloved Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler classic was co-produced by The Lowry, Little Angel Theatre, and Rose Theatre. The production reunites the creative team behind The Smartest Giant in Town, an Olivier-nominated hit, and promises to bring the magic of Charlie's bookish adventures to life on stage.
Given how often we’ve read this story at bedtime, it holds a special place in our hearts, and the kids have been buzzing with excitement since spotting the show’s poster. As we took our seats in the stalls, with an excellent view of the stage, we were all ready to be transported into the colourful world of Charlie and his endless literary adventures. The atmosphere was electric, with booster seats thoughtfully provided at the entrance to ensure even the littlest audience members didn’t miss a thing.
The show masterfully expands upon the whimsical world of Charlie Cook's Favourite Book, transforming it into a vibrant theatrical experience that stays true to the original while adding new layers of creativity. The narrative begins in a cosy living room, where Charlie, an enthusiastic bookworm, tries to coax his TV-loving sister, Izzy, into discovering the magic of reading. What follows is a delightful journey through a series of interconnected stories, each one more fantastical than the last. From pirates to knights, and ghosts to dragons, the audience is swept along with Charlie and Izzy as they leap from one book to another, uncovering new adventures at every turn.
Each story within the book is brought to life with a blend of humour, excitement, and a touch of suspense, making it engaging not just for children but for the adults in the audience as well. Our children, were captivated from the start, eagerly following along as Charlie tried to convince his sister that reading could be just as thrilling as watching TV.
The production’s set design was nothing short of magical, bringing the book’s vibrant illustrations to life in a way that felt both familiar and new. Charlie’s living room, with its iconic parrot-print armchair, serves as the launching point for a series of imaginative transformations. As the characters dive into each new story, the set evolves before our eyes— a simple table becomes a royal birthday cake, a lamp becomes a flying saucer and an ironing board is ingeniously repurposed as a pirate’s plank. The attention to detail was remarkable, with every prop and piece of furniture cleverly used to create a sense of wonder and surprise.
The puppetry was a standout element, adding a layer of enchantment that had the entire audience mesmerised. The puppets, designed by Maia Kirkman-Richards, were beautifully crafted to reflect Axel Scheffler’s illustrations while adding their own unique, three-dimensional charm. Alice was particularly captivated by the ghost called Underarm Alice, who carried her head under her arm, while Leo couldn’t get enough of the fire-breathing dragon. The way these puppets seemed to magically emerge from the pages of the books was a true highlight, capturing the imagination of children and adults alike.
The costumes were equally impressive, with bright, bold designs that brought the characters to life in a way that was both visually appealing and true to the spirit of the book. The use of colour and texture helped to differentiate each story world, making it easy for the audience to follow along as the characters moved from one tale to the next.
The music, composed by Barb Jungr, was the perfect accompaniment to the action on stage. Each song was carefully crafted to reflect the mood of the story it accompanied, whether it was the rollicking sea shanty of the pirate tale or the eerie, atmospheric tune of the ghost story. The songs were catchy and fun, with lyrics that were easy for the children to pick up, leading to many little voices joining in. The music added an extra layer of energy to the show, keeping the audience engaged and the pace lively.
The cast, though small, delivered a powerhouse performance. Pierre Hanson-Johnson was perfect as Charlie, exuding a childlike wonder and energy that drew the audience in. Freya Stephenson as Izzy was delightful, capturing both the scepticism and eventual joy of discovering the fun in reading. Georgie Samuels, in her stage debut as the Mum, was a warm and reassuring presence, with a singing voice that soared during the musical numbers. The chemistry between the three actors was palpable, making the story’s emotional beats hit even harder.
Charlie Cook's Favourite Book is an absolute must-see for families. This production is a joyous celebration of the power of reading, brought to life with creativity and heart. From start to finish, the show had our whole family entranced with its perfect blend of storytelling, puppetry, and music. It beautifully captures the essence of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's beloved book, transforming it into an enchanting experience that stays with you long after the final curtain. Whether your child is a seasoned book lover or a reluctant reader like Izzy, this show has something to inspire and entertain everyone. It not only entertains but also inspires a love of reading in the most magical way possible. We left the theatre with our imaginations fired up and the kids already asking when they could see it again—a true five-star family outing!
Charlie Cook's Favourite Book is on at The Lowry until Sunday 4th August 2024, you can purchase tickets by clicking on the button below.
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