Stick Man at Leeds Playhouse is the perfect festive treat for little theatre-goers aged around 2–10 years old (and for the parents who’d quite like an hour of wholesome fun that won’t require emergency snacks or bribes).
This year’s production is as clever, crafty and charming as it was when I first saw it at the Playhouse three years ago almost to the day. There’s a small but mighty cast of three who throw themselves into the world of twigs, tides, dogs and near-miss disasters with brilliant energy. It’s exactly the sort of joyful, gentle chaos you hope for from a Julia Donaldson adaptation, delivered with enough wit to keep adults smiling too.
For anyone new to the story, Stick Man (this time played wonderfully with envious energy by Sam Makepeace-Beach) begins his adventure happily living in the Family Tree with Stick Lady Love. One peaceful morning, he pops out for a jog, only to be repeatedly mistaken for absolutely everything except Stick Man: a dog’s new toy, a child’s sword, a sandcastle’s mast…even firewood! His journey home spirals into one mishap after another, until Santa himself steps in to help reunite him with his family. It’s simple, sweet and full of heart; a perfect introduction to storytelling theatre for young children.
This production keeps much of the feel from when it was last at Leeds, but the magic is still very much alive. Jack Wardas is a total scene-stealer and my son Edward’s (7) favourite performer, switching instruments faster than a toddler changes moods, everything from percussion to a cheeky tongue-in-cheek saxophone solo that had adults grinning.
Maya Bassi Curtis brings lovely warmth as Stick Lady Love, my daughter Florence’s (5) favourite, and the puppetry throughout is both imaginative and wonderfully accessible for kids.
The direction in the songs especially is clever and slick. The switch between the physical stick and the actor playing Stick Man is wonderfully clear, meaning that the children are able to follow the story. Being able to see the facial expressions and hear the voice of the main man (and by that I mean stick), brings the show more fully to life.
There are a few slower patches where the story stretches itself a little thin, but that’s hardly surprising when you’re turning a five-minute picture book into a full hour on stage. Some of the lighting choices during the sadder moments didn’t quite tug the heartstrings as much as expected, but I imagine they kept it bright to avoid scaring littler ones.
One thing that really sparkled this year was the audience interaction. Little ones were living their best lives, shouting out, dancing along and joining in like it was their own mini-panto, but in a more relaxing, less over-stimulating environment. The music is also a big highlight; soft ukulele-based songs with catchy melodies, layered with playful percussion, lovely harmonies and that glorious live sax. It gives the show a handmade, heartfelt quality that feels just right for young audiences.
And of course, Santa’s arrival towards the end is pure festive joy. The reindeer sleigh moment in particular had every child in the room glowing with excitement. For me, as a long-time Stick Man fan and a mum, it was an absolute joy to share this story with my own children. There are clever nods for adults too, including a very funny boy-band parody that had the grown-ups chuckling.
At only an hour long, it’s short, sweet, and totally stress-free, the perfect first theatre trip for little ones. Don’t forget to grab a booster seat on your way in, sit back and enjoy a gentle, non-threatening, heart-warming show that your child is guaranteed to love.
Stick Man is at Leeds Playhouse until 4 January.
www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk
Jack Ward Actor Musician Sam Makepeace-Beach Stick Man and Maya Bassi Curtis Stick Lady Love in Stick Man. Photo by Cian ORiain.
