one4review | On 14, Aug 2024

Rosie and Hugh’s Great Big Adventure is a lovely show that takes you to a world of fantasy, friendship, and magic. Rosie, a young girl, lives with her best buddy Hugh, a hedgehog. They set off on a trip to stop the summer holidays from ever ending. To do this, they must find the witch of the woods, who will send them on a joyous adventure where they meet a variety of cute and quirky characters. It’s joyful, catchy, heartwarming, and engaging throughout, with themes that appeal to both children and adults.

The music, composed by CBeebies’ Nick Cope, is the standout here. The songs are catchy and filled with warmth, perfectly complementing the joyful spirit of the show. The live band adds a vibrant energy, and the audience, especially the children, are encouraged to join in with the songs and dances, making it interactive; you can see the dance moves before you go in, and this helps the queue process feel like fun!

Visually, the show is fantastic. The outfits are vibrant and inventive, bringing each character to life. The production design is innovative, resulting in a whimsical ambiance that draws you deeper into the plot. Each character is memorable, from the eccentric squirrel with a wonky tooth to the wonderfully rusted robot, and they all contribute to the adventure’s allure.

Rosie and Hugh’s Great Big Adventure is an excellent balance of humour, music, and wonder. It’s a production that keeps its audience engaged from beginning to end, leaving both children and adults happy. The North Wall has produced an extraordinary work of children’s theatre that will certainly become a fond memory for the families that see it.

*****
Reviewed by Matthew
Pleasance Courtyard – Beyond
12.00 (1hr)
Until 18th August