ZOG SHOW IS SMOKIN’

IT is one of the most popular children’s books ever – and now Julia Donaldson’s story of trainee dragon Zog has been turned into a family-friendly stage show at Britain’s most magnificent castle.

Zog Live! has opened at Warwick Castle, offering half an hour of fun for the young and young-at-heart. What’s more, the show – specially scripted by the author herself – is included in the castle admission ticket.

Played out on a set bearing artist Axel Scheffler’s original designs from the book, it’s bright, colourful and pitched perfectly for the kids. And although the suggested age bracket is up to ten years old, there’s enough humour to hold the attention of older children for a while, too.

Mums and dads will enjoy it, too. There’s one laugh out loud moment amidst the mirth (no spoilers here) that particularly pleased the crowd.

Seating is on surprisingly comfortable bean bags in the colours of the three principal dragons, although there are picnic tables available at the back, too, which may come in handy if you visit the pop-up refreshments bar by the side of the stage.

The show runs four times a day. Get there early if you want to grab a front row spot. You’ll not only be close to the action but perfectly positioned for some surprise changes in the weather courtesy of the special effects team!

The production uses actors, puppets, smoke and lights to tell the tale of Zog’s five years at dragon school, learning to fly, how to roar, how to breathe flames, capture princesses and fight. The humans caught up in the action are Pearl – a young girl with a secret – and brave knight Sir Gadabout.

The costumes are great, it’s well acted for its target audience and it’s good to see the whole thing served up in sign language and subtitles.

Zog Live! runs to September 30 and is just the latest addition to Warwick Castle’s attractions themed on Zog.