Families filled the stalls at the beautifully historic Victoria Theatre in Halifax for a lively stage adaptation of Zog, based on the much-loved story by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. The production captures the warmth and humour of the original book while adding its own playful theatrical flair.
This touring production features a talented five-strong cast led by Samuel John Taylor as the determined young dragon Zog and Jess Lobo as the kind and capable (Doctor) Princess Pearl. They are joined by Lotti Brogan as Madam Dragon, Hugh Cotton as Gadabout/Cedric and Lee Beka Harper as Nell and Swing, with Daniel Noah serving as swing.
One of the most striking elements of the show is its whimsical set design. Rather than a traditional set, the stage resembles a large children’s playframe, perfectly matching the story’s sense of fun and adventure. The actors constantly made use of it throughout the performance—climbing across the structure, sliding down a pole and even jumping off it during energetic moments. It created a sense of fun and excitement that kept younger audience members completely engaged. Bravo to the set and costume designer Katie Sykes!
The music is another highlight, music and lyrics created by Joe Stilgoe. The songs are playful and upbeat, packed with catchy melodies that had plenty of the audience tapping their feet and clapping along. The lively score helps maintain the show’s playful energy throughout the performance. Each song was accompanied by fun, energetic dance routines created by Katie Beard, that added to the excitement and kept the stage full of movement.
The show also uses some simple but clever theatrical devices to move the story along. One particularly charming moment was the way the changing seasons were represented through the use of different umbrellas, a creative and effective way to mark the passage of time throughout the story.
Comedy plays a big part in keeping the audience entertained. A slapstick fight scene drew big laughs from both children and adults, showing the production’s ability to appeal across generations.
Visually, the show is bright and inviting. The costumes are colourful and playful, fitting perfectly with the imaginative world of the story and helping each character stand out clearly for younger viewers.
The use of puppetry was also a lovely touch. The dragon puppets, when they appeared, were beautifully crafted and full of character, bringing the fantastical elements of the story to life in a charming way. However, they were only used in certain sections of the show. While those moments were delightful, it did leave a feeling that the production could have leaned into the puppetry even more.
Overall, Zog at the Victoria Theatre is a colourful and energetic family production. With its imaginative set, playful music, lively choreography and engaging performances, it captures the spirit of the beloved book and offers a joyful theatre experience for younger audiences—though a little more dragon puppetry might have made it even more magical in my opinion!
The show is running March 6–8, 2026 at the Victoria Theatre, Halifax - for details and tickets see https://www.victoriatheatre.co.uk/whats-on/zog
- Creative Team: Puppetry direction by Edie Edmundson and associate choreography by Heather Scott-Martin.
- The show is a musical adaptation designed for children, featuring live music and puppetry.
On - 7th March 2026
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