The Very Hungry Caterpillar wriggles his way to St Albans

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show. (Image: Archant)

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show plays at The Alban Arena for four performances on Wednesday, March 22 and Thursday, March 23.

Adapted from author / illustrator Eric Carle’s much-loved books, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show features a menagerie of 75 enchanting puppets during a magical 60-minute show that faithfully adapts for the stage The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, Mister Seahorse, The Very Lonely Firefly and, of course, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Eric’s books have captivated generations of readers with their iconic hand-painted illustrations and distinctively simple stories, introducing millions of children to a bigger, brighter world, and to their first experience of reading itself.

His best-known work, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has nibbled its way into the hearts of millions of children all over the world.

Mister Seahorse (Adam Ryan) and Mrs Seahorse (Katie Haygarth) in The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show [Picture: Pamela Raith] (Image: Pamela Raith)

It has been translated into 62 languages and sold over 43 million copies, remaining one of the top ten bestselling children’s books of all time.

Since it was first published in 1969, Eric Carle has illustrated more than 70 books, most of which he also wrote, and more than 132 million copies of his books have sold around the world.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show is adapted for the stage by director Jonathan Rockefeller, whose production sees four master puppeteers weave their way through Eric Carle’s stories, bringing to life 75 magical puppets that faithfully recreate the wonderfully colourful world of Carle’s illustrations.

Jonathan Rockefeller said: “Eric Carle has created a deceptively simple, yet sophisticated introduction to reading through the magic of his iconic collage illustrations and memorable stories.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show (Image: Archant)

“I still have my original copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and to this day can’t help but be enthralled by the stylish and captivating art in Eric’s work.

“For many in the audience, this show will undoubtedly be their very first time at the theatre, so we have been very conscientious to ensure that we have been absolutely faithful to their favourite characters.

“Our goal is to take the audience on a truly memorable journey, bringing these stories to life through the magic of puppetry, movement and stagecraft.

“We have a menagerie of larger-than-life puppets, bursting with vibrant colour – it’s astonishing to compare the original illustrations to the puppets and how exact they are.”

The cast features Andrew Cullimore, Sarah Hamilton, Katie Haygarth and Adam Ryan.

Performances at The Alban Arena on Wednesday, March 22 are at 2pm and 4.30pm, and there are two further shows on Thursday, March 23 at 11am and 1.30pm.

Tickets cost £14.50, under-16s £13.50, and family tickets (4 tickets, maximum 2 adults) £50.

• Call the box office on 01727 844488 or book online at www.alban-arena.co.uk