Writer: Julia Donaldson
Adaptor: Barb Jungr and Samantha Lane.
Music/Lyrics: Barb Jungr
Director: Samantha Lane
A show about animals in a small house? What a curious plan! But what a delight!
When audiences and young reviewers watch a stage adaptation of their favourite books, they can often come away feeling like the original magic of the book is missed and adapted too far. However, Olivier-nominated duo Barb Jungr and Samantha Lane’s adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s A Squash and a Squeeze not only portrays the morals of the tale, but also exaggerates and arguably improves the comedic turn of events.
The plot follows an old lady convinced her house is far too cramped; after seeking guidance from a “Wise Old Man,” she finds herself sharing the space with a succession of farm animals, and the resulting pandemonium ultimately changes her outlook. The message about appreciating what one already has comes across clearly without ever feeling heavy-handed. It speaks particularly to parents, as running a home with under-5s living there can also feel overwhelming and chaotic at times.
A particularly effective addition in this production is the re-imagining of the Old Man. Here he appears less like a distant, additional old character and more like a cheerful, fast-talking “Easy Peasy” salesman, brimming with enthusiasm for every unlikely suggestion he offers. This playful interpretation sets him apart from the Old Woman in a way that helps younger viewers instantly grasp their contrasting personalities, while also adding a sense of fun that runs throughout the show.
Another highlight comes right at the beginning of the play when the Wise “Old” Man steps forward to greet the audience before the story properly unfolds. This direct introduction establishes an immediate connection and gives the character a stronger presence, lending him a relevance and personality that feel especially vivid in performance.
Ruth Calkin delivers a wonderfully expressive turn as the Old Woman, charting her mounting frustration with sharp physical comedy and finely judged timing. Some of the subtler jokes may well pass unnoticed by the youngest children, yet they land beautifully with the adults, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for family audiences.
As the Old Man, Jake Pratt keeps the atmosphere warm and inclusive, confidently guiding the audience through moments of participation. Meanwhile, Mark Esaias brings the animals to life through fantastic puppets; each creature feels distinct, and several dance sequences prompt plenty of laughter. The coordination between performers, props, and music is slick even amongst the chaos, demonstrating a strong sense of ensemble.
Visually, the production closely echoes the world first imagined by illustrator Axel Scheffler. The designs by Kate Bunce create a rustic setting that evolves cleverly as more animals crowd the space, while the puppet creations from Maia Kirkman-Richards are full of inventive details and playful surprises. Lighting by Sherry Coenen subtly shifts the mood and helps establish the passage of time and changes in weather, details that even very young viewers seem to notice.
A final closing highlight is the finale song, featuring the title “A Squash and a Squeeze,” as the audience is invited to “frolic and fiddle-dee-dee” with the cast as the house lights are raised again to celebrate.
Overall, this show is a delight and keeps both the young audience and their grown-ups entertained and excited throughout. Theatregoers should get their tickets before the auditoriums become too squashed or squeezed in!
Runs until Saturday 21st February at The Playhouse
