Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape

Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape comes to Mayflower Studios from Thursday 23 to Saturday 25 July, the world premiere stage adaptation of Dermot O'Leary's children's book, illustrated by Nick East. It's a puppet show with original songs, and it's part of the Little Angel Theatre's 65th anniversary season.

The story follows Toto, a nearly blind cat with ninja skills, and her brother Silver. Together they have to track down a dangerous King Cobra that's escaped into the streets of London. It's an adventure for all ages, and the whole thing is brought to life with puppets and songs rather than just actors on a set.

Behind it are two names you might recognise from the theatre world: Samantha Lane, the artistic director of Little Angel Theatre, who adapted the book, and Barb Jungr, who wrote the music. Both were Olivier Award nominees in 2023 for The Smartest Giant in Town. Oliver Hyman handled the set, costumes and puppets, and Sherry Coenen did the lighting. Dermot O'Leary himself described the project as seeing his book come to life through puppetry, while Lane and Jungr called it a cheerful, funny and touching story, and said they were looking forward to bringing Toto's world of courage, friendship and adventure to the stage.

It's a family show, recommended for ages five and up, so it works as a trip with the kids. It runs for three days at Mayflower Studios, from Thursday 23 to Saturday 25 July. Tickets are on sale now at mayflower.org.uk or by phone on 02380 711811.