Theatre News

The Very Hungry Caterpillar to make West End debut

Everyone’s favourite childhood insect is coming to town

He's one of the most iconic characters in children's literature and now the Very Hungry Caterpillar will chomp his way into the West End this Christmas.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show will run for a limited five-week season at the Ambassadors Theatre from Friday 2 December 2016.

Featuring a 'menagerie of 75 enchanting puppets', the hour long show will feature four of Eric Carle's most popular stories: The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, Mister Seahorse, The Very Lonely Firefly and The Very Hungry Caterpillar – which has sold over 41 million copies and been translated into 62 languages since its release in 1969.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show is adapted for the stage by director Jonathan Rockefeller, who said today: "Eric Carle has created a deceptively simple, yet sophisticated introduction to reading through the magic of his iconic collage illustrations and memorable stories.

"For many in the audience, this show will undoubtedly be their very first time at the theatre, so we have been very conscientious to ensure that we have been absolutely faithful to their favourite characters."

Carle added: "I am delighted my friends in the UK will soon be able to share the same enjoyment I felt when seeing my characters come to life in the beautiful and enchanting Broadway production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show."

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show runs at the Ambassadors Theatre from 2 December 2016 – 8 January 2017.