The First Hippo on the Moon

She poops to conquer! Faeces the day! Top of the poops! Rather good as they are, this adaptation of David Walliams’ children’s book is worth more than its daft poo puns. Superior kids theatre company Les Petits bring well-crafted animal puppets and jolly songs to the story of the hippo who wins a space race in a wooden rocket powered by jungle droppings. It’s a shame the talented cast all wear unnecessary microphones, making for shrill sound. But the space flight is exciting and atmospherically staged, as a model rocket farts past spinning stars in the deep dark of the unlit stage.

Theatre Royal Brighton, 4 July 2017

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