New cast and UK tour dates announced for  Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks’  What the Ladybird Heard 

16th September 2021 – 2nd January 2022 

The much-loved stage adaptation of What the Ladybird Heard, from bestselling children’s  author Julia Donaldson and award-winning illustrator Lydia Monks, will continue to entertain  families around the country this Autumn with newly announced tour dates, from 16th September to 4th December. The tour will kick off at Birmingham Hippodrome following the  highly anticipated West End season at The Palace Theatre this summer, welcoming family friendly live entertainment back to theatres.  

Bringing the farmyard to life will be Nikita Johal (Spring Awakening, Hope Mill), Roddy Lynch (A  Christmas Carol, Theatre Royal Bath), James Mateo-Salt (The Pirate Queen, London Coliseum),  Matthew McPherson (The Jolly Christmas Postman, Oxford Playhouse), and Abigail Middleton (Pig, Royal Court Theatre Liverpool). Showcasing live instrumental music, original songs, puppetry and rhymes galore this exciting adaptation is a treat for the whole family.  

Author Julia Donaldson comments, It’s fantastic to see one of my most-loved children’s books,  What the Ladybird Heard, returning to the stage, both in the West End and around the UK! After  such a hard year it’s important that we can provide creative escapism for young children, and  this stage show will do just that. I can’t wait to get back to the theatre and see it myself. I  believe audiences are in for a treat! 

Illustrator and Show Design Consultant Lydia Monks adds, It’s always a thrill to see my  illustrations burst into life on stage and I’m very excited to be involved in this project. Theatre is  an important tool for children’s creative development, and I believe this show is the perfect  outlet. I look forward to transporting everyone to the farm for a fun family adventure!

A colourful countryside adventure brought to life on stage, What the Ladybird Heard is a  fantastic introduction to theatre for the little ones. Packed with plenty of audience participation  and full of laughs this retelling of the classic children’s book is the tale of one quiet Ladybird on  her quest to save the day!  

★★★★★ Netmums

★★★★★ Culture Whisper

★★★★ The Stage A total delight, The Guardian