If you grew up in the UK or have young kids, then you would definitely have read the ever famous Dear Zoo book by Rod Campbell and at some point in your life, this book would have adorned your book shelf. Even our two kids, grew up reading this fabulous book and it was their bed time stories for months on end. So image our excitment when we found out that to celebrate its 36th anniversary, this book was coming to life for the very first time as a new stage production show and coming to Stafford Gatehouse Theatre this February just in time for the half term school holidays!
Dear Zoo is the story of a child who writes to the zoo asking them to send a pet! Its a fabulous book for young kids, brightly illustrated with bold artwork but still small enough for little hands with easy lift-the-flap book and thick chunky and sturdy pages to keep toddlers mesmerised. First published in 1982, the book continues to delight each new generation of children as they lift the flaps in search of the perfect animal.
Written by Rod Campbell, the master of interactive storytelling and an expert in early learning for pre-schoolers, he is also the creator of more than 200 books for children. His unique ability to be both fun and reassuring encourages children to discover and delight in the world around them. The show is produced by Norwell Lapley Productions and directed by Michael Gattrell. Dear Zoo live on stage is suitable for children aged 2 – 6 years. Brought to life through child-engaging puppets, original music and lots of audience interaction, it will immediately appeal to families and children who already love the book and will serve as a wonderful introduction to those coming to the story for the first time.
Read more: Love Animals? Why not head to Reaseheath’s Mini Zoo in Nantwich?
When is Dear Zoo ?
The show will run on Wednesday, 21 February and Thursday, 22 February 2018 at 11am and 2pm
How much are the tickets ?
Tickets are priced at £14.50 each. Family ticket £52.00.
How can I book ?
Tickets can be booked by calling the box office on 01785 619080 or by visiting Stafford Gatehouse Theatre’s website.
Where is Stafford Gatehouse Theatre?
Stafford Gatehouse is an old Victorian theatre for professional and amateur shows, including Shakespeare and children’s plays. In 2007, the Borough Hall was reopened as Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, by his Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester. The Borough Hall was originally opened on 20 June 1877 and the building once housed Stafford Borough Council.
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Eastgate Street
Stafford
ST16 2LT
Tel: 01785 619080
Where to park?
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre is in the heart of Stafford, just seconds from the main shopping centre and central tourist attractions. It is less than 10 minutes drive from Junctions 13 and 14 of the M6 and can be found by following the theatre mask symbols on routes into the town centre. There are ample parking facilities a short walk away from the theatre and cycle racks are available outside the building.
36 comments
Oh my gosh what a flashback. I haven’t seen that book cover in years but I definitely remember it well! I had no idea they’d turned it into a stage production.
They have Jess! We can’t wait to go catch it. Our kids are so excited!
My kids love this story! I’ll have to see if it’s on in london
Hope it heads your way to London soon, I am sure it will…fingers crossed
Aww this is one of our favourite books, i really hope it comes further north too!
Yes we hope so too Deborah
What a fun show – my two love that book! The prices look pretty reasonable too 🙂
Yes especially for the family tickets.
Oh my goodness I’m sure I remember Dear Zoo from my childhood. How cool they have made it into a live show!
I know, totally cool. Our kids can’t wait to go see it.
Wow I remember having this book as a kid, I can’t believe that it’s still around to be honest x
I know..how time flies…but glad we will get a chance to remember it again with the theatre production show
How cute is this. Hope hope it tours near here, we love this story
Hope it does Kara
So I completely feel like I missed out because I don’t think I ever read this. I’m just going to have to rectify this situation!
Cx
Hope you do get a copy of the book Charli
Dear zoo brings back so many childhood memories, I was bought up with that book and loved all the pop ups so much. I hope they come closer to me, I’d so go.
Hope it does tour Bethany, a lot of people are saying they wish it did
Aww my little ones and I love this book! What a fantastic idea to turn it into a stage show!
Totally fantastic idea!!
I read this book as a child and so did my daughter, how lovely they’ve turned it into a stage production x
Yes we can’t beleive it as well x
Ahhh, this is so close to me, but my youngest son is 14 now and I don’t think my kids would go with me. I reckon they’d have loved it when they were little though, it’s such a classic book!
Yes they definitely would have loved it, recommended age is 2 to 7 for this show so yes 14 might be a tad too old.
We love the book so excited that they are bringing it to the stage! Hope it tours near us x
Glad you do, hope it does tour eventually.
I remember this book as a child and it’s great to see it coming to the stage, I’d be looking at taking my daughter for sure and maybe relive my childhood abit!
Ha yes, we we are the same, I think we will enjoy it as much as the kids!
Oh my Gosh! My daughters loved Dear Zoo when they were smaller so reading this brings back such happy memories. My children are now grown, so sadly I won’t be going to see the theatre show but I am sure it will delight all the members of the family, especially the little ones.
I hope you and your family have a great time watching it xx
Thank you so much for your wonderful comments Tanya, yes the kids are really looking forward to it as they grew up reading about it. We can’t wait to see what the production show is all about.
Oh how amazing. I adored this book at a kid and my 1 year old loves it too.
So glad Dannii
I had totally forgotten about the book, so happy its now on stage!
Glad you remembered about it Chichi
I’m from near Stafford, this sounds like something my mom would enjoy taking her Goddaughter to!
That’s totally fabulous, there is still time to book and tickets available so hope to see you there!