By Sarah Cope

Based on the classic 1968 children’s book by Judith Kerr, the stage version of The Tiger Who Came to Tea now playing in London faithfully recreates the original illustrations while adding singing and dancing to the plot.

Having read the book to my daughter countless times, I immediately noticed all the details present and correct in the staging, right down to the string of garlic bulbs hanging from the kitchen shelves.

The actors playing Sophie and her Mummy and Daddy are not only suitably attired, but they even physically resemble the characters in the book. Sophie is played by an adult, albeit a petite one (Abbey Norman), whilst the hardest-working actor on stage had to be Alan Atkins, who plays Daddy, the postman (here he channels Kenneth Williams, curiously), the milkman, and the tiger. I wasn’t surprised he was sweating buckets and had to surreptitiously wipe himself with a handkerchief at points!

Right from the start the children are included in the action, when the actors come into the audience and say hello. Then, taking to the stage, they break into song, thanking us for “coming to our play”.

The slapstick physical comedy went down a treat with the children, with delightful moments such as when the father catches the popping-up toast in his work bag before heading out of the door.

There’s a sense of anticipation, and it’s clear what everyone is waiting for: the tiger. When he arrives, he doesn’t disappoint, being huge, slightly camp and only a trifle fierce-looking. I wondered whether the children might be afraid of this imposing orange creature, but they were clearly familiar with the story and knew that the tiger was only interested in eating the family out of house and home.

Then commenced the infamous binge, complete with amusing sound-effects (the loud belch following the beer-guzzling proved highly popular!).

Adding a modern twist – and perhaps a nod to modern healthier lifestyles – the tiger does a spot of “tiger-robics” after his over-indulgence, and the children are encouraged to stand up and join in.

So here’s a play that tackles childhood obesity as well as entertaining your offspring (if not perhaps giving them a good guide to healthy portions…).

My four-year-old said she enjoyed the play a great deal, and that if she had to choose between the play and the book she would choose the play. A high accolade indeed, since she is addicted to the book itself. Indeed, on returning home she demanded it be read to her again – of course!

The Tiger Who Came to Tea is on at the Vaudeville Theatre until September 4.