Munya Chawawa's Collection

This is one of those plays where within a few seconds, you’ll turn to the person next to you, Malteasers falling from your gaping mouth, and say: that shouldn’t be possible! Bright yellow cat-shape school bus whizzing round stage? No problem. Gigantic puppet of Totoro snoring with the vigour of a middle-aged man named ‘Keith’? Consider it done. The play rises to the challenge of bottling the magic, heart and amazement of every great Ghibli film.

I’m recommending this almost exclusively for Paapa Essiedu. Sure, the man’s been cast in maybe the biggest franchise of all time, and yet he returns to the stage. That’s because he’s fantastic at it – this man pulls every audience into his orbit. If you’re one of those people sat scoffing, waiting for the new Snape to prove himself, go and witness him in person – then proceed to feel like an utter plonker.

As Garry’s naked buttocks crowd surfed inches from my horrified face – I thought: “no one should ever witness this”, whilst simultaneously thinking: EVERYONE SHOULD SEE THIS! Rib-splitting, vulgar, masterful. Think about that safe, warm, PG feeling your favourite Penguin novels give you – then, prepare for Gary to take that feeling and put it directly into his West End. Sounds extreme, is extreme – don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Yep, I know – how has stone-cold, six-packed Alpha Male like me succumb to the charm of a tiny bear with a marmalade problem? Because this musical is a triumph! It’s completely hilarious, surprisingly poignant and a First-Class ticket to becoming the favourite grandchild; so take the mandem and your nandem asap!