The 3 Little Pigs at Palace Theatre

The West End premiere of Stiles and Drewe’s The 3 Little Pigs proves that a classic fairytale can offer something new and surprising at every retelling. By revamping the details and modernising the dialogues, the original story of the three piglets gains an added set of valuable lessons for younger audiences, but it also acquires a comical aspect that children and adults alike will enjoy. Re-imagined as a sort of coming-of-age tale, the story focuses on the tribulations of growing up. It introduces young viewers to big themes such as independence and the advantages and dangers of leaving one’s comfort zone.

The humorously named trio of piglets, Bar, Bee and Q, must leave their mother’s overcrowded sty and find their own way in the world outside. They have to adapt to their new surroundings and build their own homes, acquiring new skills in the process. Each piglet has a distinct personality and a unique interest. A fitness devotee, a bookworm and an environmentally aware pig, they spend a great deal of time teasing one another about their differences but finally agree that they are “like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle” completing one another with their complementary skills. When the bad wolf threatens to kill them, he unknowingly forces them to put their disagreements aside and work together as a team.

The wolf fulfils his antagonistic role as predicted, but Simon Webbe, former member of the boy band Blue, adds a cheeky tone to the role and his charisma shines through as he sings catchy tunes and interacts with a delighted audience. Beyond the well-known tale and its recognisable elements, there is a focus on universal themes and enough jokes aimed at adults to ensure that the whole family is entertained. The upbeat music gives the story a cheerful tone and the songs are likely to be remembered and hummed afterwards. Lighthearted and dynamic, the play has also some wisdom to impart. The moral of the story is that differences in character should, and can, bring people together and lead to harmonious cooperation. It’s also about family ties transcending pride, and understanding that the enemy may just be a misunderstood character striving to survive.

Mersa Auda

The 3 Little Pigs is on at Palace Theatre from 5^th August until 6^th September 2015, for further information or to book visit here.