We loved Zog when we saw it on tour, so was thrilled to see that the next adventure of the loveable yet clumsy dragon, Princess Pearl, and Sir Gadabout was heading out on tour.

Based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling sequel, Freckle Productions (Zog, Stick Man, Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales) are back, with music and lyrics by Joe Stilgoe (Zog), for this modern take on the classic fairy tale. We have loved every single Freckle Productions performance so had the upmost confidence that this one would be just as magical and just as wonderful.

There was a lot of excitement around the Derngate theatre. If you’ve never been to the Royal & Derngate, it’s a really stunning venue. The Royal auditorium is your traditional luxe-style theatre, whereas the Derngate is a modern-take. It is one of my favourite venues in terms of comfort and acoustics.

The show starts with the energy and enthusiasm which was to be expected and a quick recap on the first Zog book. Meeting Zog, learning about his new life as an air ambulance, and the problem… not knowing how to land!

‘Bang, crash… THUMP!”.

We follow the storyline with a quick pace, complete with appealing music and lyrics for the children by Joe Stilgoe – he also did the music and lyrics for the Zog show we saw last year that was equally as enjoyable. Despite being recommended for 3 and over, our 2-year-old absolutely loved clapping along and shouting for Zog.

The medical crew consists of Zog (Ethan Jay Scott), Pearl (Sammy Richards who took on an early cover due to illness) and Sir Gadabout (Edward Conroy), fly to the rescue of a sunburnt mermaid, a unicorn with one too many horns and a lion with the flu. However Pearl’s uncle, The King, says that princesses cannot be Doctors and he locks her in the tower in a frilly dress.

There is some great audience participation, especially at the end when children are able to learn some of the routine and join in – and shouting back at the king that princesses CAN do what they want and DON’T have to stay in a locked tower is a silly, frilly dress! it was reminiscent of a pantomime which I loved!

James Stirling, as both the King and the disco unicorn was a standout for me. Along with Sammy Richards as Pearl. My 2-year-old loved seeing Zog in true dragon costume form, a major step up from last years Zog performance which was done with plushies and coloured outfits and hats.

This was a brilliant family show with heaps of energy, comedy, and catchy songs. I still have “it’s a quest” stuck in my head today! Fun choreography and a fantastic quick pace to keep children engaged. The cast were brilliant.

Recommend for ages 3 and up, but it’s certainly welcome to all ages!

Currently on tour around the UK.