Over the moon with childlike wonder

Yo Diddle Diddle Patch Theatre Company Theatre Royal June 27 WE’RE all familiar with the nursery rhyme that inspired an arcade, but only very young children and their parents will know Tony Wilson’s book The Cow Tripped Over The Moon. This, in turn, has been turned into a stage show by the prolific Patch Theatre.

Patch specialises in theatre for young audiences aged from four to eight. Their work for the slightly older children usually operates on at least two levels — one for the children, the other for the adults — often punning or with innocent reference to grown-up interests.

Yo Diddle Diddle is created for the very youngest end of the market. Adults may find it slow going, repetitious and simplistic. But then, it isn’t made for us!

Youngsters will be captivated by the endearing and larger-than-life characters, the catchy music, the inventive design and the gentle but clear telling of the story.

Cow’s ambition to jump over the moon meets with obstacles and failure, but she is no quitter. With the help of her friends, Cat and Dog, she eventually attains her goal.

So we have the story’s two harmonising themes: on the one hand, “don’t give up — keep on trying”, and on the other, “but you don’t have to do it alone — help is at hand” (or hoof, as the case may be).

One of the joys of Patch’s work is that is does not stint on production values. It delivers high production standards and engaging, skilled performances.

— ROBERT JARMAN