The children in the audience were enraptured and the adults were enjoying it far more than they should really be enjoying a play for kids, but that is the joy of Dr. Seuss’ head-trip tales with their magical nonsense, and here it has been brought to the stage with such energy and imagination that you can’t fail to be charmed.

Cat in the the Hat, Rose Theatre Kingston

The first ten minutes start with an audience dance-along and being squirted with water pistols, and then the story really starts to come to life as the two children in the tale start to look for amusement to brighten up a dull rainy day. The goldfish rolls onto stage in a giant fish bowl, complete with bubbles floating over the audience. Then all attentions are drawn to the charismatic cat that defies gravity, balancing all sorts of weird and wonderful accessories while himself balancing on a ball. Chaos ensues with the appearance of Thing 1 and Thing 2 and the whole stage is an amazingly anarchic display of acrobatics.

This is a fantastic feat of physical theatre, bursting with life. A perfect treat for the Easter holidays. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Rose Theatre Kingston and Curve Production in association with the National Centre for Circus Arts.

• Wed 10 Apr – Sun 21 Apr, Rose Theatre Kingston