one4review | On 06, Aug 2025

For reasons that defy explanation, I will apparently watch almost any show that involves puppets. And, indeed, I only had to see an image of Potty, the particular potted plant puppet protagonist of the comedy musical medical matinee and I was instantly intrigued.

The show revolves around events at Little Boo Boo’s General Hospital where Potty – a loveable sprout with more of a Sesame Street than Little Shop of Horrors vibe – finds himself involved in a wacky investigation into some missing children, aided by a gang of delinquent nurses and opposed by the sinister Dr Acula (who may have some kind of dark secret, they just can’t guess…).

Potty the Plant is a very fun, silly show with a lot of catchy songs. The cast (including Potty and his puppeteer) are all delightful and high-energy, nicely pulling along the plot which feels a bit like a children’s book someone scribbled a bunch of rude words on.

It is not, perhaps, the most groundbreaking of shows – the jokes are sometimes easy to guess the punchlines for and the music at points feels a bit “generic musical”, but it’s still an enjoyable romp through the sort of shenanigans that has me grinning ear to ear. And there’s a puppet, so what’s not to love?

****

Reviewed by Tom

Gilded Balloon at Appleton Tower

14.45 (1hr)

Until 24 Aug (not 12)