What the Ladybird Heard (Tour – Salford)

Written by the ever popular Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Lydia Monks, What the Ladybird Heard, is a popular children's book featuring two crafty baddies, one tiny ladybird and a farmyard full of animals.

Two comical robbers named Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len concoct a cunning plan to steal the farmer’s prize winning cow. However, the little ladybird has a plan of her own to stop the naughty rascals from getting their hands on the precious cow.

Donaldson's main farmyard tale is only short and so the writers have created a story around this – as the show opens we find out that a member of the cast hasn't turned up to perform in the show. This section sees the actors play out of their main characters as they hurry to find a suitable person to step into the role of Lanky Len.

Thankfully, the team manage to find somebody who suits the role perfectly. The threat of the show being abandoned is an old device and although many of the children in the audience did play along with it, I did feel it lacked originality and flair.

The two baddies Hefty Hugh (Matt Bateman) and Lanky Len (Matt Jopling) are strong members of the cast and their song is a highlight, with most of the children in the audience managing to engage with their humour and slapstick.

The show runs at a perfect 55 mins which boosts its appeal, there is no real time for any of the youngsters to get bored and fidgety. And generally, the language was suitably pitched, the plot was easy to follow and the music and songs easy listening and helpfully repetitive.

Following the frame story, there was a little restlessness in the audience as the actors ran through the main plot again. However, the audiences attention was caught again by the original and heartwarming story of the little ladybird which, I was pleased to see, stayed authentic and true to Donaldson's words.

What the Ladybird Heard is at the Lowry until 7 September.