Stick Man by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler has been a beloved bedtime story in our house for years. Alice (7) and Leo (5) are avid fans of all things Donaldson, and Stick Man is one of their top favourites. When Freckle Productions brought this delightful show to The Lowry, we couldn’t pass up the chance to finally see it! The anticipation was sky-high, and the excitement on their faces as we found our seats was palpable.
Stick Man’s morning jog quickly turns into a whirlwind of comedic and heartfelt misadventures. From being mistaken for a plaything by an exuberant dog to becoming part of a swan’s nest and even facing the terrifying prospect of a crackling fire, poor Stick Man endures it all. Yet his determination to reunite with his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three never wavers. Packed with humour, suspense, and a sprinkling of festive magic, the story had both children and adults captivated, rooting for Stick Man’s triumphant return just in time for Christmas morning.
Alice adored the hilarious scene where the dog ran through the audience, while Leo’s favourite moment came when Santa arrived in his sleigh to save the day. The falling snow over the audience was a magical touch that delighted everyone, young and old.
The production’s minimalist yet inventive set brought Stick Man’s world to life with incredible creativity. Everyday objects were transformed into rivers, oceans, and even a towering sandcastle, immersing the audience in each scene. The puppetry was wonderfully executed, especially in the water sequences, and the clever use of props—like umbrellas for waves—showed just how much can be done with simplicity and imagination.
The costumes were charmingly quirky, with each character distinctly recognizable. The dog’s playful energy and Santa’s festive cheer were particular highlights, with the actors seamlessly switching roles and embodying every character with enthusiasm.
The music was vibrant and catchy, with live instrumentation adding an extra layer of magic. The actor-musician’s ability to swap between characters and instruments was a delight, and the upbeat songs had the children singing along.
But what truly set this production apart was the level of audience participation. From calling out to Stick Man to wake up in the fireplace to helping guide him back to the family tree, the children were fully engaged. The beach scene, complete with an audience ball game, was a burst of chaotic fun, and the interactive moments ensured that everyone felt part of Stick Man’s journey. The characters often walked through the aisles of the auditorium and even ventured up into the tiered section of the theatre, much to the delight of the children, who excitedly waved and called out to them.
This three-person cast was nothing short of phenomenal. Their boundless energy, comedic timing, and impressive multi-rolling brought the story to life with charm and charisma. Shaun Mendum as Stick Man perfectly captured the character’s blend of determination and vulnerability, while Eleni Papaioannou brought warmth and humour to her roles, including the Dog and Stick Lady Love. Peter Shipway was a standout as the actor-musician, switching effortlessly between instruments, accents, and characters.
Each performer demonstrated an incredible ability to connect with the audience, whether through direct interaction or playful improvisation, ensuring that even the youngest theatregoers were engaged from start to finish.
Stick Man at The Lowry is a triumph—a perfect blend of humour, heart, and holiday spirit. Freckle Productions has crafted a truly magical show that will delight fans of the book while introducing new audiences to the charm of Stick Man’s tale. Alice and Leo left the theatre buzzing with excitement, and we’ve all been singing the Stick Man song ever since!
With its clever set, lively music, and enchanting performances, this production is a must-see for families this festive season. Whether it’s your child’s first theatre experience or one of many, Stick Man is guaranteed to stick with them long after the final bow. So, grab your tickets and prepare for an hour of pure joy.
Stick Man is at The Lowry until Sunday 5th January 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.
If you would like more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the show's official website.
Photo Credit - Pamela Raith
*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.
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