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.

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!

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.