Tilly Mouse learns the Law of the Jungle
‘Here’s a rare treat: a family show whose big ideas are witty, sophisticated and served up with such exuberance and charm that it should be impossible for anyone, of any age, to resist it…nothing short of exquisite…the themes of social responsibility are so skilfully woven into the action that the piece never feels preachy. It’s a wonderfully inventive work that genuinely has something to say – and has terrific fun saying it. A joy.’
The Times ****
Back in the mid-2000s Ben, Steve and a host of other Monstro artists first worked together on this hit musical, which started life at Little Angel Theatre and then transferred to Polka, followed by a trip across the Pond to play at the New Victory Theater, off-Broadway in New York. The show was inspired by a number of Aesop’s fables, which were cunningly woven by Ben and co-writer Tim Kane into a single narrative about an upwardly mobile mouse called Tilly. On the show’s triumphant return from New York, Monstro was formed to co-produce its runs at Unicorn and Hampstead theatres in London. The Mouse Queen combined puppetry, a live band on stage, shadows, beautiful design and performance in a uniquely charming blend that had audiences coming back time and again. We met one 8 year old who was coming to see in (on her birthday) for the SEVENTH time!!
Leonard the Lion falls in love
‘The best piece of theatre for children I’ve ever seen. Perfect and witty in every way. Truly.’
Emma Thompson
‘A marvellous musical… With all the characters singing or playing instruments, the music by Ben Glasstone provides the show’s vibrant heart. Glasstone successfully mixes wildly disparate styles, from Klezmer to Renaissance madrigal, and his lyrics are inspired’
The New York Times
You can get a flavour of the piece from the little clip below: