REVIEW - THE KOALA WHO COULD | THE LOWRY | 08/04/2025
- Sarah Monaghan
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Taking my two theatre-loving children—Alice (7) and Leo (5)—to see The Koala Who Could at The Lowry was a long-awaited treat. As fans of the beloved book by Rachel Bright and Jim Field, they were excited to see one of their favourite stories brought to life on stage. As a parent of two autistic children, the story of Kevin the Koala—who struggles to let go of his tree and try something new—resonated deeply with our family. It’s a heartfelt tale of learning to embrace change, and the production captured that message with warmth, humour, and visual delight.
At its core, the story of The Koala Who Could is about learning to face fears and step outside of one's comfort zone. Kevin is a sweet, cautious koala who clings to his eucalyptus tree while his energetic friends play below. As the story unfolds, Kevin is gently nudged toward change, discovering that the world outside his safe branch might not be so scary after all. The plot stays true to the picture book while cleverly expanding it into a 55-minute theatrical experience, rich with musical interludes and charming sketches that kept my little ones hooked throughout.
Visually, the show was a feast. From the moment we entered the auditorium, the vibrant outback-inspired set design by Oli Townsend transported us straight to Australia. The warm tones, stylised trees, and “zoomed-in” detail on Kevin’s tree gave a sense of intimacy and wonder. The lighting was dynamic, moving between soft dawn hues and lively bursts of colour that matched each mood and moment. The puppetry was nothing short of magical—Kevin looked exactly like his illustrated counterpart, and both Alice and Leo were completely in awe. The woodpecker’s flight across the stage was particularly mesmerising. Costumes were fun and functional, helping the small cast morph into a host of animals with ease, often with the aid of exaggerated hats or accents. The original music by Eamonn O’Dwyer was catchy and full of character, especially the rousing final number Can Do, which had kids dancing in the aisles.
The three-person cast—Christopher Finn, Sarah Palmer, and Danny Hendrix—delivered a powerhouse performance. Finn was especially endearing as Kevin, bringing him to life with gentle humour and sensitivity through both puppet and physical performance. Palmer’s Cassowary and Hendrix’s Wombat were both hilarious and energetic, adding to the show’s comic rhythm. The actors expertly juggled multiple roles, puppets, and musical numbers while maintaining an infectious energy that pulled the audience in. Their ability to engage the young crowd—encouraging shouts of “G’day Kevin!” and “Let go of the branch!”—was delightful.
The Koala Who Could is a heartwarming, high-energy treat that does full justice to the beloved book while creating a rich theatrical experience of its own. With stunning puppetry, vibrant visuals, and a toe-tapping soundtrack, it strikes a perfect balance of silliness and sincerity—encouraging children to face their fears in a fun and meaningful way. For little ones who might find change tricky—like my two—Kevin’s journey felt both reassuring and empowering. For Alice and Leo, it was a magical extension of a story they already loved, and for me, it was a touching reminder of how theatre can reflect and connect to our own life stories.
This is family theatre done right, with something for everyone. If you’ve ever needed a little nudge to step out of your own comfy tree, Kevin might just be the koala to inspire you.
The Koala Who Could is at The Lowry until Sunday 13th April 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.