Zog and the Flying Doctors Review: Plucky Princess and Her Crew Soar

Freckle Productions has become known for its masterful adaptations of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s cherished picturebooks, and their latest show is no exception. This high-energy, witty performance captivated my three-and-a-half-year-old son Benji, who was left craving more theatre after it ended. “Are we only going to one theatre?” he asked, eyes wide with excitement.

Composer and lyricist Joe Stilgoe contributes a lively and vibrant score that infuses the show with thoughtful musical motifs. The sparky rhymes, such as, “I’m not joking – there could’ve been no king!”, keep the audience engaged. Though some of the lyrics might be overly clever, occasionally causing confusion—particularly a gag about the NHS re-imagined as the National Horn Service—they generally pay a respectful homage to Donaldson’s original text.

The cast delivers performances that are layered and nuanced, a rarity in children’s theatre. Emily Attridge-Cox shines as the plucky princess turned doctor, her no-nonsense demeanor holding the show together. Edward Conroy’s portrayal of the hapless knight and assistant surgeon displays lovely comic timing. Ethan Jay Scott’s Zog is endearing, capturing the dragon’s enthusiasm for flying despite his shaky landings. James Stirling’s portrayal of a pompous king has an almost Hamilton-esque flair, strutting and singing moodily to the audience.

The show’s animal characters, brought to life through designer Lucy Bradridge’s detailed costumes, are a delight. A two-horned unicorn dressed like a Saturday Night Fever tribute act with flared trousers and sequins steals the scene with a climactic moment that has children clapping and whooping in delight. A lonely mermaid bound to a sea rock and a lion with a spectacular, frilly headdress add to the visual feast.

Their adventure-filled flights are vividly portrayed using a mini puppet that soars across a cleverly designed sky. Every beat of the production has been thoughtfully crafted, including interactive moments that keep the young audience engaged throughout. “The actors kept pausing themselves so that we could clap!” Benji noted afterward. Indeed, the applause was well-earned for an enchanting theatrical experience.