★ ★ ★ ★

Reviewer - Eliott

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review.

When we look at reviewing pieces of theatre that aims to excite and enchant a younger demographic, we must as adults turn to their guidance of laughter and lack of bum shuffling for their seal of approval; how a show can make children sit up straight and hold their attention span for just over an hour, when in this modern world, children's programmes as a whole last no longer than 20 - 26 minutes an episode.

In total, The Classic Stories of Winnie The Pooh ran for nine seasons of ten episodes, with multiple film adaptations. In 2021, Off-Broadway took the rights and made a Stage Version which saw the inhabits of a Hundred Acre Wood fully realised on stage, with some remarkable puppetry that made the audience gasp in awe, especially the little ones seeing their favourites on stage. Growing up, Eeyore was for me the one I gravitated towards the most, so I can't lie by saying I was a little excited to see him up on the Riverside Studios stage amongst all the little fans of the show.

Where the puppetry allows some really stunning visuals and character voices to shine, the set equally impresses, and by the time we reach the end of our stay with Winnie and Friends, it's the set and design of the show that amplifies what children have been watching on screen for decades. The Hundred Acre Wood comes alive right in front of our eyes and acts like a playground for the inhabitants. Jake Bazel originated the puppetry role of Winnie over in America, and for the Riverside run of this UK and Ireland Tour, Bazel reprises that very role. You can absolutely see why; the mannerisms that he lends to the role are a true embodiment of the character, and the puppetry design on Winnie is detailed to perfection. There are times when you simply cannot take your eye away as Pooh plods along with Piglet by his side.

Now whilst there is a distinct lack of a real storyline, some puppetry designs are a little loose from their TV personas. The role of Christopher Robin, played by a child actor in the show, only appears to bookend the tale of Winnie looking for Honey. It's theatre like this which might often be the first experience for young children, and the way they become immersed with the story, with some clever weather elements along the way, opens children's imaginations. This production will be one that they’ll remember forever, as Meet and Greets take place post-show, and there's a wonderful backdrop in the foyer as you enter Riverside Studios to capture those memories.

Touring all around the UK and Ireland until September 2023, Winnie The Pooh will have children and adults alike bouncing along with Ranga, Roo, and Tigger, Having fun with Piglet and a wintery Snowman, but most importantly, going on an adventure of a lifetime.