From the Clarissa’s Corner archives — this review covers the 2017 tour of Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom.
Today we went to see Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom, and it was such an endearing little show for the children.
Beforehand, I did wonder how they were going to pull off the distinctive look of Ben, Holly and the rest of the characters on stage. I actually think they did a splendid job.
The characters had large papier-mâché-style heads that captured their familiar television appearance, while their costumes stayed simple and recognisable.
And then there was Gaston!
Gaston was brought to life as an electronic ladybird who could be pushed around the stage — and the characters could even sit on him.
A Little Kingdom on Stage
There were lots of different props used throughout the show, including Nanny Plum and her magic cauldron as she attempted to make cold medicine for King Thistle.
The cast also got the children involved, asking the audience to point out where Ben and Holly were hiding.
Of course, naughty Holly couldn’t resist using her magic to hide. Oh dear — poor Ben Elf!
We even got to meet Lucy from the Big World, and everyone joined in singing Happy Birthday to King Thistle, although King Thistle wasn’t particularly pleased about being another year older.
Children love their birthdays, so I did have to giggle at that one.
Cleverly Done for Little Theatre-Goers
The stage was cleverly organised so that only minimal changes were needed between scenes. Folding sections of the scenery could be changed around to create different locations, which kept everything moving without lengthy scene changes — particularly important when your audience is full of excited little ones.
There were a couple of minor things that weren’t perfect, but for a children’s show they really weren’t a big problem.
More importantly, it was lovely seeing all the little faces smiling and hearing the children enjoying themselves.
Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom was a sweet, colourful introduction to live theatre for younger children, with familiar characters, songs, audience participation and plenty of silliness along the way.
Archive note: This review originally covered a past touring production and has been lightly edited for readability while keeping my original experience and opinions intact.
I never knew there was a live stage performance of Ben and Holly! That could be a great way to ease my daughter into watching theatre! Thanks for the review!
I didn’t know either, there is also peppa pig so there are a few, we have also been to see the stickman and the very hungry caterpillar. your welcome !
This looks amazing my little boy watches Ben and holly and I have to admit I’d rather watch this then peppa. I will have to see if there is something like this I can take him to x
Wow this sounds perfect for kids. I wish there was more things like this when I was a kid! X
My friend’s kids would absolutely love this show. It looks like great fun.
Reading your post brought back great memories of when we went to Ben and Holly! 🙂
Oh this is so sweet, I love how colourful the set is, very eyecatching xxx
My niece and nephew love Ben and Holly so would love to go and see this x
I love how they were able to keep it so close to the actual show, perfect for the kids!
This sounds fantastic, we all love Ben and Holly at mine including me so we’d love to see this.
Okay, I have a confession. I would love this more than my toddler *runs off and hides*
It looks so cool
It looks lovely, really true to the programme and enchanting for little ones.
This sounds fab. My kids would love to see this.
I need to take my niece to see this! She would absolutely love it. If Peppa Pig is anything to go by… I’d probably enjoy it too!
This sounds adorable! The costumes are very good though I imagine the actors were boiling!
This must be a really really cool one to attend with the little ones. I know a little girl who would love it 🙂
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