Eggnapped

Eggnapped, written by Steven Oliver‑Grant, is a magical story that sweeps its audience straight into the vibrant, colourful land of Eggtopia, a place where Easter is the most important time of the year and where every creature plays a part in preparing for the big celebration. Everything in Eggtopia is perfect until wicked Fiona the Fox and her mischievous sidekick Ruby the Raven hatch a sneaky plan to steal Easter itself. What unfolds is a lively, imaginative adventure full of humour, charm, and heart, and this production embraced all of those qualities with real joy.

From the moment the curtains drew back, we were immediately transported into the magical world of Eggtopia. The opening musical number, “One Short Day in Eggtopia Village,” was a clever and inspired choice, setting the tone for the entire show. It was executed brilliantly by the full cast, who filled the stage with energy and excitement. The choreography in this number and throughout the production was lively, creative, and full of personality. There were lovely moments of formation work, expressive gestures, and a delightful blend of styles, from lyrical sequences to commercial dance to tap. Each style was woven in seamlessly, giving the show a dynamic rhythm that kept the audience engaged. A huge well done must go to Sue Bradbury for the choreography; it was imaginative, polished, and perfectly suited to the world of Eggtopia.

You couldn’t fault the production for its heart. I fell in love with the story and the characters almost instantly, I’ll happily admit I’m a big kid at heart, and this show absolutely tapped into that sense of childlike wonder. Tom Dodd, who played the endlessly energetic Benny the Bunny, brought a burst of enthusiasm every time he hopped onto the stage. His physicality, expressions, and commitment to the character made him a clear favourite with the children in the audience. Jem Marshall‑Ayre as Duncan the Duck delivered some brilliantly timed quacks that had the audience laughing every time. Hollie Knowles as Lizzie the Lamb brought sweetness and charm, while Melissa Mottershead as Pippa the Pig had the audience giggling with every well‑placed oink. These small character details added so much personality to the production and made Eggtopia feel like a fully realised world.

The costumes, designed by Karen Matthews, Nicky Haughton, Sue Bradbury, and Tom Dodd, were nothing short of fantastic. Every outfit was vibrant, imaginative, and perfectly tailored to each character. From fluffy ears to feathered wings, from pastel colours to bold patterns, the wardrobe team created a visual feast that enhanced the storytelling beautifully. I have to say, the entire wardrobe for this production was outstanding, it was clear how much care and creativity went into every piece.

Princess Primrose, played by Kat Rawling, was a perfect fit for her role. She brought grace, warmth, and a gentle humour to the character, making her instantly likeable. Her interactions with the other characters were natural and engaging, and she carried herself with the poise of a true fairy‑tale princess. One of the strongest elements of the production was the storytelling, which ran seamlessly throughout. This was largely thanks to Racheal Coogan as Nyla the Narrator, who guided the audience through the adventure with clarity, charm, and excellent stage presence. Her narration was perfectly pitched for the younger audience members, and she maintained a lovely rapport with the child character, played by the very confident Tommy Sheedy. Tommy’s performance was impressive; he held his own on stage, responded well to the action around him, and delivered his lines with confidence and enthusiasm.

Of course, all is well in Eggtopia until Fiona the Fox and Ruby the Raven make their dramatic entrance. Fiona, played by Kimberley Ross, and Ruby, played by Elle Pomfret, were deliciously villainous. Their attitude, expressions, and command of the stage had the audience, especially the children, booing and hissing with delight. Their chemistry as a villainous duo was excellent, and they clearly relished their roles. Their first appearance was staged particularly cleverly. The split staging, with set pieces positioned on either side of the central stage, kept the younger audience visually engaged and allowed for smooth transitions between scenes. The palace workshop, with its bright lights and smoke effects, was another standout moment. It created a sense of excitement and anticipation, drawing the audience deeper into the unfolding drama.

The staging throughout the production was thoughtful and effective, making full use of the space and ensuring that the action remained clear and engaging. The creative team clearly understood how to capture the attention of a family audience, balancing visual spectacle with storytelling clarity.

I loved every minute of this production and how well it was written and directed. The timing was sharp, the humour landed consistently, and the pacing kept the story moving without ever feeling rushed. It was delivered with warmth, imagination, and a genuine sense of fun. Eggnapped is the kind of show that reminds audiences, young and old, of the magic of theatre, and this production embraced that magic wholeheartedly.

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