The Very Hungry Little Caterpillar Show

Some children’s books are read once then discarded. Only rare gems are read over and over. I know from experience that Eric Carle’s Very The Hungry Little Caterpillar is one of those that can prompt so many re-reads that toddlers recite key moments to memory.  The combination of beautiful illustrations, humour and an engaging story where they can relate to concepts such as over eating  makes it irresistible.

So it was no surprise to see an almost full house of parents with very young children for the premiere of this production in the heart of Sydney.  The creator Eric Carle had a hand in making sure his beautiful artwork was re-created faithfully on stage under the skilled hands of the New York based company The Puppet Kitchen. As the Hungry Little Caterpillar is quite brief the production began with some of his other works.

The set was entirely white, comprising  a wall with hooks to hang paintings on and blank books.  Enter the artist who used splashes of imaginary colours to create animals from Eric Carle’s book The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse.

With a spin he whipped up all manner of colourful creatures including an alligator and an elephant.  The language used by the actors was pitched at those only just learning to speak.  The entertainment came from admiring the parade of new puppets across the stage.

The page turned to the book Mister Seahorse.  The elegant sea creatures danced around – surprising the audience with news that it is the fathers who care for eggs and babies in a most peculiar way.   Then the lights came on for the glows as The Very Lonely Firefly engaged the audience.

The finale was of course that Very Hungry Caterpillar. There was a welcome increase in the tempo as the familiar tasty morsels presented themselves as choice bites for the green insect that grew fatter and fatter.  We all felt much better when it cleansed its pallet on a healthy green leaf.

 After just over fifty minutes it was time to fly away. Most of the beautiful butterflies in the audience were well behaved enjoying what must have been for many of them their first experience of live theatre.

After an enchanting time no doubt they will be eager to return.

David Spicer