Burglar Bill | Reviews

Pandora's Box's totally delightful musical version of the ever popular children's book.

Pandora Box Theatre’s musical version of Janet and Allan Ahlberg’s popular children’s book is sheer delight for the whole family from beginning to end. Simple dialogue, clear-cut characters, plenty of fun, Ian Sanders’ lively songs to Chris Hatts’ catchy tunes and a happy ever after ending maintain its appeal across the ages including especially for the youngest children.

Rob Tofield wins all hearts as the loveable comic-cuts burglar in striped jersey and black eye-mask eating stolen fish and chips with a stolen cup of tea before setting off for a night of crime, to silly remarks from Tom the burglar cat through his cat-flap.

Lucy Atkinson splendidly complements with an ever-versatile range of voices, singing styles and dance routines for the four female characters – WPC Good always just missing Bill, the lady in a pink nightdress leading the children in singing I Love Cleaning my Teeth, the 83-year-old woman with seven tins of baked beans and Burglar Betty who brings the twist to the tale. When Bill finds a baby in a box and Betty turns up as his mother, the happy crime-free wedding is the inevitable finale.

Great musical children's show based on the book by Allan Ahlberg

Great musical children's show based on the book by Allan Ahlberg. The story follows the advetures of Burglar Bill as he goes out at night stealing various items inlcuding baked beans, a toothbrush and a box containing a baby!! It goes on to see him change his ways after he meets another burglar - Betty (the baby's mother) and they both reform and return all the items and live a happier life.

It's a very lively show with catchy songs and lots of audience participation. It promotes good moral messages including how important it is to clean your teeth and that stealing is bad and how distressing it can be for its victims.

Both cast members were very strong with good character changes, lively singing and great expression. It's a fast moving performance that kept the attention of all the audience - young and old. A highly recommended show billed at being suitable for 3-8yrs although my older daughter loved it too! (and me)

Donald age 6 "I loved Burglar Bill and his songs, he was so funny" Lottie age 9 "The baby was very ugly"