What The Ladybird Heard to play West End this summer

What The Ladybird Heard will open in London’s West End this summer for a limited run.

The piece will play at the Palace Theatre for a strictly limited summer season from 15 July to 29 August 2021.

A teaser of the show shares: “From Julia Donaldson, bestselling author of The Gruffalo, and award-winning illustrator Lydia Monks, comes the stage show of the much-loved picture book What the Ladybird Heard. With live original music from a quartet of talented actors, puppetry and a whole farmyard of fun, this 55-minute family favourite is the perfect summer treat!

“Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len have a cunning plan to steal the farmer’s fine prize cow. But they reckon without the tiniest, quietest creature of all: the Ladybird has a scheme of her own!

“Join the woolly sheep, the hairy hog, the fat red hen and the dainty dog as they take on the villains in their quest to save the day at the Palace Theatre, London. Published by Macmillan Children’s Books and with over 4 million copies sold this adaptation is the perfect introduction to theatre for children aged 3+. Expect plenty of participation, lots of laughs and rhymes galore!

“First conceived on a countryside walk with her son, Donaldson enjoyed the idea of a quiet Ladybird outwitting the bigger brawnier creatures. The animals and their noises fill this colourful adventure with real flair and, in consultation with the original illustrator, beautifully capture the magic of the story.”

Producer Kenny Wax commented: “I am delighted that What the Ladybird Heard is returning to the stage and I’m looking forward to welcoming family audiences back to the West End for a much needed treat this summer.

“It will be wonderful to see smiling faces in the glorious Palace Theatre once again.”

What The Ladybird Heard is adapted and directed for the stage by Graham Hubbard with set, puppet & costume design by Bek Palmer, design consultant Lydia Monks, lighting design by Ric Mountjoy, composition and sound design by Jon Fiber and Andy Shaw for JollyGoodTunes and lyrics by Jon Fiber and Howard Jacques. The show is produced by Kenny Wax Family Entertainment in association with Matthew Gregory.

Picture: What the Ladybird Heard. Photo contains previous cast members. Credit: Robert Day.