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Quentin Blake’s Mrs Armitage on Wheels, based on BBC series Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures, is set for a new stage musical adaptation in London.

Mrs Armitage on Wheels will play at the Southbank Centre’s Purcell Room from 18 to 21 February 2026.

The world premiere is part of the Southbank’s Imagine season for children.

Mrs Armitage on Wheels is directed and adapted by Samantha Lane, artistic director of the Little Angel Theatre.

The show is a new musical adaptation of the award-winning BBC animated series Quentin Blake’s Box Of Treasures, and promises to feature clever puppetry and original live music.

The full creative team includes music and lyrics by Jessie Maryon Davies, set and costume design by Ryan Dawson Laight, puppetry design and direction by Maia Kirkman-Richards, and sound design by Ian Oakley.

Mrs Armitage is a brilliant and eccentric inventor whose wild and wonderful creations are always remarkably useful. When she and her faithful dog Breakspear set off on a quiet bike ride to visit cousin Angela, she can’t stop thinking of ways to improve her bike. But after adding horns, snack trays, umbrellas, a dog bed, even a sail, will she ever get there?

Quentin Blake’s Mrs Armitage On Wheels Live on Stage has been developed in association with Eagle Eye and Little Angel Theatre and based on the BBC animated series ‘Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures’ available on BBC iPlayer.

Samantha Lane said in a statement: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be adapting and directing Mrs Armitage on Wheels for the stage. It’s such a joyful, imaginative story – full of heart, humour, and the boundless possibilities of creativity. Mrs Armitage’s world is wonderfully eccentric yet deeply human, and I can’t wait to bring her spirit of inventiveness and togetherness to life in a production that celebrates her generosity, resilience, and sheer love of making marvellous things.”

Mrs Armitage on Wheels is running at the Southbank Centre’s Purcell Room from 18 to 21 February 2026.

Book tickets to Quentin Blake’s Mrs Armitage on Wheels in London

Southbank Centre’s Imagine season 2026

Other highlights of this year’s Imagine season at the Southbank Centre, featuring activities for children, include:

  • Early Weaves, a non-verbal introduction to dance theatre (11 Feb)
  • The London premiere of Fields of Tender, immersing audiences in an enchanting world of relaxation and love with a mix of dance, music and interactive video for 6 months – 2 years (11-12 Feb)
  • The London premier of Mini SPIN, the interactive dance rave for ages 5-11 years, hosted by three deaf dance artists (13-15 Feb)
  • The Show for Young Men, using humour and heartfelt choreography to consider modern-day masculinity as it affects both boys and men (13-15 Feb)
  • Pop-Up Parkour with Ascension offers a high-energy experience for children to explore three interactive parkour stations guided by experienced coaches (17-19 Feb)
  • Live book events including An Afternoon with Liz Pichon, creator of the beloved Tom Gates and The Mubbles series (18 Feb), an interactive session with author-illustrator RAMZEE (18 Feb), and a celebration of the fun-filled world of Lottie Brooks from bestselling author Katie Kirby (21 Feb)
  • A theatrical retelling of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Princess and the Pea featuring acrobatics, clowning and fairytale adventure for children aged 2 – 8 years (14 -20 Feb)
  • Stars of the CBBC hit series Andy and the Band join Imagine as Andy and the Odd Socks, patrons of the Anti-Bullying Alliance live on stage (15 Feb)
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Main photo: Quentin Blake’s Mrs Armitage on Wheels musical to premiere in London. Image via PR -

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