A MUSICAL based on Beatrix Potter's most famous characters opened at the Old Laundry Theatre, in Bowness, this week, and our reviewer got an early look at the show which will be seen by thousands this summer

THE “world’s most famous rabbit” is on the run in a good old-fashioned musical adventure.

Where is Peter Rabbit? opened at the Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness on Monday, to celebrate 150 years since the birth of Beatrix Potter.

The theatre is run by set designer Roger Glossop and his wife, theatre producer Charlotte Scott, who also own the World of Beatrix Potter attraction.

They approached Warne publishers with a plan to adapt Potter’s tales for the stage to celebrate the landmark anniversary.

The couple gathered a starry team around them, including playwright Alan Ayckbourn who wrote the lyrics, and actors Miriam Margoyles and Griff Ryhs Jones, whose recorded voices narrate three of the five tales.


Oliver Mawdsley as Mr Tod The set - a mixture of painted backdrops and projections - faithfully brought Potter’s illustrations of her beloved Lakeland landscapes to life.

The young audience members were completely captivated by the six ensemble players and their puppetry, singing and dancing skills.

Jemima Puddle Duck, Jeremy Fisher, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, Mr Tod and Peter Rabbit all took a turn to take centre stage.

Be warned though, this production is true to the spirit of the original books, rather than the modern, sanitised version Cbeebies viewers may be used to.

There are many moments of peril - Jeremy Fisher is swallowed by a giant trout, and a bag of baby bunnies are captured for a badger’s supper - to name just two.

However, our three-year-old daughter seemed to relish the action, and said with relief at the end, “Mr Tod (the villainous fox) wasn’t too scary”.

At 55 minutes, the show is ideal for children of any age, and adults who fondly remember Potter’s tales will also find much to enjoy.

Review by NICOLA PARK

  • Where is Peter Rabbit? runs at The Old Laundry Theatre until September 4, with up to three showings per day.