The Three Little Pigs

Having written a full-scale musical with one pig as its inspiration (Betty Blue Eyes in 2011), composer George Stiles and lyricist/librettist Anthony Drewe have thrown the spotlight on three little porkers for the West End premiere of their new piece for children aged three and up.

In The Three Little Pigs, Alison Jiear’s adorable Mother Pig is a single parent, thanks to the dastardly deeds of the Big Bad Wolf, and has decided it’s time for her three youngsters to leave the sty. Off into the big wide world go the trio of environmentally friendly Bee (Leanne Jones), gym bunny Bar (Taofique Folarin) and bookworm Q (Daniel Buckley).

There is no sign that Drewe (who also directs), designer Jason Denvir and choreographer Ewan Jones have been limited by staging the piece around the set of The Commitments, in situ at the Palace Theatre. Instead, the colourful, imaginative approach creates a narrative that flows effortlessly as Bar, Bee and Q learn that life is best when ‘families stick together’. Jones’ choreography is a delight, not least when Buckley gets to strut his stuff during A Little House.

Simon Webbe, as misunderstood villain Big Bad Wolf, gives a strong performance, one that will improve as he continues to gain confidence in engaging with an audience. In fine voice as always, Jiear lights up the stage every time she appears, helping to showcase – along with the rest of an enthusiastic cast – Stiles and Drewe’s incredibly catchy, clever score which is contemporary enough to leave an impression on children and adults alike.