Review: Tom Gates Live On Stage! at the Crewe Lyceum Theatre*

Tom Gates Live On Stage! rolled into the Crewe Lyceum Theatre last week for a four-day run as part of its UK tour. Based on the best-selling books by Liz Pichon, the show is the first ever live stage production based on the Tom Gates series. The brand-new Tom Gates story has been brought to the stage by the Birmingham Stage Company, the award-winning team behind theatre productions of Horrible Histories and Gangsta Granny.

What we thought of the show

My nine-year-old son Ewan is a huge fan of the Tom Gates books, so we jumped at the chance to see the much-loved character in a live theatre production. We were also curious to see how the author’s characters and her hilarious doodles would be transported from page to stage. After all, the doodles play a central role in the books, which follow the exploits of Tom, a master of excuses, expert doodler, comic story-writer extraordinaire – and the bane of his teacher Mr Fullerman’s life.

As the show got underway we were impressed to see how cleverly the quirky illustrations and diary style of the books have been given a big role in Tom Gates Live On Stage! A series of ingenious moving screens form the backdrop to each scene – and this is also where Tom’s trademark doodles are projected as animations, with words and cartoons illustrating his thoughts and feelings.

One of the most brilliant bits is when Tom’s dad drives a car with a giant hot-dog on top across the stage. Using the screens, the cast are able to wind the windows down and pop their heads out of the car – perfectly creating the illusion that the zany vehicle and its passengers are actually moving.

The show is true to the spirit of Tom Gates and this probably has a lot to do with the fact the author herself has played an integral part in its creation. Liz co-wrote the script with Neal Foster, and she was also responsible for the song lyrics and the main artwork for the production.

And in creating a brand new story, the show offers something new for the young fans who have already devoured every book in the series so far.

The plot centres on Tom’s mission to do everything possible to stay out of trouble. He has three sad faces on his school achievement chart – and if he gets one more, he won’t be allowed on his school trip – to a biscuit factory!

The exciting and hilarious adventure brings the characters to life and is perfect for all the family (we were joined by our 13-year-old nephew Fin, who enjoyed the show, too). And it’s just as much fun even if you haven’t read any of the books.

All of the performances are spot-on, with most of the actors playing more than one role. And every detail has been carefully thought through, from the laugh-out-loud visual gags to the props and costumes.

What’s more, the catchy songs including ‘School Dinner Blues’ will have you singing all the way home.

The show has now finished its run at Crewe, but you can catch it at various other theatres across the UK as it continues its tour.

And, I can assure you, Tom Gates Live On Stage! is as good as a caramel wafer… in fact, it’s better than 100 caramel wafers!

CAST

Matthew Chase – Tom

Matthew Gordon – Derek/Grandad

Ashley Cousins – Marcus/Granny

Amy Hargreaves – Amy/Delia

Daniel Harkin – Dad/Mr Fullerman/Mr Keen

Alice Redmond – Mum

Justin Davies – Norman/understudy

Ebony Wong – Lady/understudy

Where and when is Tom Gates Live On Stage! being performed?

The show has finished its run at the Crewe Lyceum but its UK tour continues until June 28, 2020. Other venues include:

• The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, March 13-16, 2019. For tickets, call 0844 871 3011.
• Liverpool Empire, April 17-21, 2019. Call 0844 871 3017.
• Venue Cymru, Llandudno, September 11-15, 2019. Call 01492 872000.
• The Regent Theatre, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, October 30 to November 2, 2019. Call 0844 871 7649.
• Manchester Opera House, November 20-23, 2019. Call 0844 871 3018.

How much are the tickets?

Tickets for Tom Gates Live on Stage! at the Crewe Lyceum ranged from £10.50 to £21.50 per person. Family tickets and school offers were also available. Check with the other venues for ticket prices for the rest of the tour.

How do I book tickets?

To find out more about tour dates, venues and tickets, click here.

About the Birmingham Stage Company

The Birmingham Stage Company is one of the world’s leading producers of theatre for children and their families. Founded in 1992 by actor/manager Neal Foster, the BSC has staged more than 80 productions for adults and children in the UK and throughout the world. The theatre company works with some of Britain’s finest living writers including David Walliams, Terry Deary, Michael Morpurgo and Philip Pullman. The BSC has also enjoyed an association with Roald Dahl, a connection that includes its touring production of George’s Marvellous Medicine.

About Liz Pichon

Liz studied graphic design and went on to work at Jive Records in London as an art director. She left Jive to set up her own company, producing and developing designs for T-shirts, and illustrating for magazines and adverts. Liz is the author of the best-selling Tom Gates series, which has been translated into 43 languages. The first book in the series, The Brilliant World of Tom Gates, was published by Scholastic in 2011 and won awards including the Roald Dahl Funny Prize. Liz is married with three children and lives in Brighton.

By Colette Warbrook

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* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.