Mog the Forgetful Cat musical to premiere next year

A new stage adaptation of Judith Kerr’s Mog the Forgetful Cat will tour the UK next year.

Written and adapted by Miranda Larson, with music by Eamonn O’Dwyer and directed by Rose Theatre artistic director Christopher Haydon, the production will feature puppetry and music. It will open at Rose Theatre in Kingston from 11 to 21 February before visiting theatres across the UK. It will also play at Unicorn Theatre in London from 13 July to 8 August.

The tour will visit Chesterfield, Derby, Stockton-on-Tees, Grimsby, Winchester, Newport, Eastbourne, Bristol, Southend, York, Sheffield, Bishop’s Stortford, Belfast, Radlett, Poole, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Dorking, Swindon, Truro, Guildford and Jersey. Further dates are to be announced.

Nicoll Entertainment is also behind the stage adaptation of Kerr’s The Tiger Who Came to Tea, which received an Olivier Award nomination. The company has previously collaborated with Rose Theatre and Unicorn Theatre on productions of The Lion Inside and The Koala Who Could.

Judith Kerr’s children, Tacy and Matthew, said: “We are thrilled that Mog will be brought to life in this new production for 2027 and that a character and story that means so much to us personally and is beloved by generations of readers will be shown to audiences familiar and new, all over the country, capturing the magic that has given Mog a place in readers’ hearts since our mother first gave her to the world over fifty five years ago.”

Larson added: “I am thrilled to have adapted the Mog stories for a new stage show. I remember the Mog books in my school library and everyone being so excited to read them on the rug with our teacher. The characters are so distinct and I have always loved how Judith Kerr captured the characteristics of a cat and put them into Mog. I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of Mog’s world. From fantastical moments where Mog lets her imagination get carried away, to the excitement of a cat show, to favourite moments from the books, we have ensured there is something for everyone in our new story.”

Haydon concluded: “I’m never happier than when I’m tucking my small children up in bed and reading them just one more story before lights out. Over the years, there is one particular character whose antics have entertained us time and again – yes, it’s Mog the adorable, fuzzy, imaginative and highly forgetful cat! Mog sits curled up at the heart of the Thomas family, but she will also feel like a familiar family member to the generations of children she has entertained over the years. So it is an absolute delight to be able to bring her to full three dimensional life on the Rose stage, and to then be taking her to many other theatres beyond.”

The creative team also includes set and costume designer Oli Townsend. Further casting and creative team details are to be announced.