Think you know The Three Little Pigs? Think again! Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company put their signature twist on the classic fable, transforming it into a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud adventure bursting with creativity. Co-created with a group of Year 6 children, this playful reimagining blurs the line between storyteller and story, keeping audiences on their toes. Known for their high-quality, inventive theatre for young audiences, Stuff and Nonsense weave puppetry, physical theatre, and boundless energy into their latest production. I attended the show at Home Manchester, with my two children, Alice (7) and Leo (5). Alice, a big fan of the original tale, was especially eager to see how this version would unfold.
The show kicks off with an eccentric and over-the-top narrator, Dustin Huffman, who is all set to tell us the classic tale of the Big Bad Wolf. But just as he gets going, three little pigs—Swampy, Minty, and Spoon (with Minty and Spoon as puppets)—burst into the theatre, running late and completely throwing his carefully planned story into chaos. Alice was thrilled when the pigs walked down the aisle, even plonking themselves into a seat right in front of her before scrambling onto the stage.
What follows is a wildly unpredictable and hilarious retelling of the familiar tale. We learn that the pigs didn’t leave home on a grand adventure—they were kicked out by their mother for misbehaving! Now, they’re on the run from the Big Bad Wolf, desperately trying to hide while recounting their side of the story.
Of course, we still get the classic elements—the straw house, the stick house, and the brick house—but the journey there is anything but traditional. The collapse of the straw house is an absolute highlight, packed with slapstick comedy and just the right amount of suspense to have the children squealing with delight. Alice especially loved this moment, declaring the straw house her favourite. The stick house, reimagined as a cleverly designed treehouse, was equally fun, and Leo was particularly impressed by it.
The final brick house, however, doesn’t quite match the grand build-up of the earlier scenes and feels a little underwhelming in comparison. That said, the show keeps the audience engaged with plenty of interactive moments. One of the most exciting was when Swampy lost his brothers and frantically searched for them—only for the children to take charge! Every time the little pigs popped up in hiding, the audience erupted into excited shouts, pointing and calling out to help Swampy find them.
The set design was delightfully inventive, using movable pieces that transformed fluidly between scenes. Holly Miller’s clever design incorporated hidden compartments, raised platforms, and secret flaps to allow for seamless puppetry. The ever-shifting backdrop kept the young audience engaged and helped to maintain the high-energy pace of the show.
Costumes were kept simple yet effective, with the pigs distinguishable by their colour-coded outfits and playful accessories. The narrator/wolf figure had an enigmatic, style, blending charm and menace in equal measure.
Jeremy Bradfield’s music added an extra layer of fun to the performance, with catchy tunes peppered throughout.
With only two actors bringing the entire show to life, the energy and versatility of the performers were nothing short of impressive. Jenny Harrold shone as the eldest pig, effortlessly switching between puppeteer and character, making the smaller pig puppets feel as lively as any full-sized performer. Donal Craigie commanded the stage as both the narrator and the wolf, bringing a dynamic mix of storytelling, comedy, and mild villainy to the role. The way they manipulated the puppets was nothing short of magical, creating the illusion of fully independent characters.
Their physical theatre skills were particularly strong, adding a playful and expressive dimension to the performance. Whether leaping, tumbling, or reacting to the young audience’s eager participation, they ensured the show remained high-energy from start to finish.
This is children’s theatre at its most playful, bringing imagination, comedy, and clever storytelling together in a way that captivates young audiences. Alice had a big smile on her face throughout and burst out laughing at several moments, while Leo was completely absorbed in the adventure. Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company have once again proven why they are one of the UK’s most beloved family theatre companies. With its mix of inventive puppetry, high-energy performances, and unexpected twists, The Three Little Pigs is a delightful show that will have kids squealing with laughter. If you’re looking for a fun, engaging introduction to theatre for young children, this is definitely one to catch!
The Three Little Pigs is at Home Manchester until Thursday 20th February 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.
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*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.
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