Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book Set to Dazzle the West End this Christmas
More Family Shows Announced for London’s West End Holiday Season
This Christmas, London’s West End will welcome a brand-new stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved children’s book, Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book. Aimed at children aged 3-8, the show will run for a month-long festive season at Trafalgar Theatre from 5 December 2024 to 5 January 2025.
Adapted for the stage by Barb Jungr and Samantha Lane, and co-produced by Little Angel Theatre, The Lowry, and Rose Theatre, this lively new production promises to bring the joy of the bestselling book to life. Using puppetry and enchanting original songs, this bold adaptation will immerse audiences in a magical celebration of reading. The story encourages even the most reluctant young readers to discover the many worlds hidden inside books, from pirate adventures to ghost stories.
This puppet-filled musical reunites adaptors Barb Jungr and Samantha Lane, who also directs, following their acclaimed collaboration on the Olivier-nominated The Smartest Giant in Town — another hit from Donaldson and Scheffler.
The production is currently on a nationwide tour, visiting 58 venues ahead of its West End debut.
Julia Donaldson shared her excitement, stating:
“I am delighted that Little Angel’s magical production of ‘Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book’ is transferring to the West End. This story celebrates the joy of reading in many forms—books, magazines, even encyclopaedias. With 11 stories within the story itself, and characters like pirates, ghosts, and aliens, it’s been wonderful to watch it come to life on stage, complete with puppets and songs.”
Illustrator Axel Scheffler added:
“Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book was such a joy to illustrate, as it jumps from one story to the next, each with its own distinct genre and characters. I’m thrilled with the stage production’s designs, and I’m so pleased that more families will get to experience this in the West End.”
Samantha Lane, Artistic Director of Little Angel Theatre, along with Executive Director Peta Swindall, expressed their excitement:
“We are so excited to share the magic of ‘Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book’ with even more families this Christmas. The joy of seeing children and adults alike dive into the many worlds this story brings to life is truly special. Puppetry, music, and storytelling combine to celebrate the wonder of reading, which is vital for children’s development and imagination. We’re thrilled to bring this adaptation to Trafalgar Studios after its fantastic reception on tour.”
In addition to the performances, Little Angel Theatre, in partnership with Macmillan Children’s Books and the National Literacy Trust, has been running over 180 play-based workshops across primary schools and libraries. These workshops, designed to encourage literacy and a deeper love of picture books, aim to inspire reluctant readers and equip families and educators with creative tools to explore stories through play.
Little Angel Theatre will also have two productions in the West End this Christmas. Alongside Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book at Trafalgar Theatre, their Olivier-nominated adaptation of The Smartest Giant in Town will return to St Martin’s Lane Theatre for its third consecutive year.
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler picture book – stage shows
This festive season will be particularly exciting for fans of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, with four stage adaptations of their works gracing the West End: Room on the Broom, Stick Man, The Smartest Giant in Town, and Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book.
Book Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book tickets at the Trafalgar Theatre
More family shows to see this Christmas
Other family-friendly shows lighting up the West End this Christmas include:
Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas
Father Christmas Needs a Wee!
Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out
The Creakers: A Magical Musical Adventure
Slava’s Snowshow
The Snowman
Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book runs from5 December 2024 to 5 January 2025 at the Trafalgar Theatre, London
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