REVIEW - THE DETECTIVE DOG | WATERSIDE ARTS, SALE | 24/05/2025

🕵️‍♀️ The Detective Dog A Paw-some Mystery Adventure for Kids!

📖Background: A Bookish Favourite Comes to Life

It’s no secret that we’re huge fans of Julia Donaldson’s beloved picture books, so when we heard The Detective Dog was sniffing its way to Waterside Arts, we leapt at the chance to join the trail.

Adapted by Tiny and Tall Productions, this stage version celebrates books, libraries, and dogs with a nose for solving mysteries. With a warm-hearted story, inventive puppetry, catchy tunes and brilliant inclusivity, this family-friendly production had us howling with happiness.

🔍The Story: A Mystery in Rhyme

Meet Nell, the clever canine with a super snout and a passion for books. Every Monday, she visits the local school to listen to stories with the children. But one day—disaster! All the books have vanished!

With only a mysterious cap left behind, Detective Dog Nell gets on the case, following the scent across town in search of clues. It’s a gentle but fast-paced story about curiosity, determination, and the joy of reading—beautifully told in rhyme and packed with interactive fun that had the young audience completely hooked.

🌟 Bright Sets and Bouncy Songs

The set of The Detective Dog bursts with colour and charm, bringing the pages of Julia Donaldson’s beloved book to vibrant life. Designed to resemble a giant pop-up storybook, the backdrop features an enormous open book screen that cleverly displays text and illustrations throughout the show – a brilliant nod to the source material and a wonderful touch for little book lovers in the audience. The stage is dotted with oversized props painted in bold, playful colours – a bright yellow table, rolling bookshelves stacked with rainbow-coloured books, and lush green bushes that frame the action with cartoon-like flair. The design is both fun and functional, allowing for quick transitions between Peter’s home, the school, and the park with a touch of theatrical magic. Every visual element feels hand-drawn and storybook-perfect, helping young audiences feel as though they’ve stepped right into the pages of the book. The use of projection on the giant book screen adds another interactive layer, showing illustrations, sentences, and even sound words that tie in beautifully with the action onstage.

The costumes are simple, vibrant and just the right touch of whimsy. And, of course, Nell herself is brought to life with a beautifully designed puppet, expertly operated to give her warmth, character, and plenty of personality. She looks just like she’s leapt off the page – her familiar floppy ears, sleek fur, and friendly expression instantly recognisable to fans of the original illustrations. The music, composed by Jack Drewry, added toe-tapping energy to every scene, with fun songs that got stuck in our heads long after the show.

🐕 Interactive Fun with Detective Dog

One of the absolute highlights of The Detective Dog is how the production warmly invites young audiences to become part of the adventure. From the moment Detective Dog Nell bounds down the aisles, little ones are completely enchanted. For instance, my daughter Alice (7) was thrilled when Nell stopped right beside her seat, giving her an inquisitive sniff — a magical, close-up moment that made her eyes light up. Meanwhile, my son Leo (6) was overjoyed when Nell tossed the bounce-away ball into the crowd, encouraging him to throw it back and feel part of the action. The show’s interactive elements don’t just entertain; they immerse children in the story’s world, engaging their senses and imagination. Throughout the show, children are encouraged to clap along to some of the catchy, toe-tapping songs, adding an extra layer of fun and energy to the performance. This creates a joyful, communal atmosphere where everyone feels part of the adventure. Later, the audience is invited to become real crime solvers, spotting who’s behind some cheeky mischief—hazelnuts mysteriously dropping from a tree, honey stolen from the bees, and even a sneaky ‘poo’ on the gravel path! Children shout out their guesses, especially those familiar with the book. One of the highlights comes when Peter and Nell pass the farm and the zoo. Children are invited to guess the animals they hear, responding to animal sounds with enthusiastic shouts as pictures of the animals appear on the screen. This lively interaction delights the kids and keeps their attention firmly on the story. Adding to the immersive experience, the show incorporates playful scent technology in the foyer before and after the show, where children can explore the story’s smells — a truly multi-sensory treat. To top it all off, the post-show meet-and-greet with Nell is a delightful bonus, allowing children to interact with the puppet up close and create lasting memories. This blend of puppetry, music, and hands-on moments makes The Detective Dog an enchanting experience that encourages children not only to watch but to play, respond, and feel part of the mystery-solving fun.

🐾 Paw-forming with Heart – and for Everyone

The fantastic trio of Eleanor Pead, Amy Murray and Hannah Tudge worked their socks off playing multiple characters – humans and animals alike! Their energy was infectious, and their physical comedy and expressive performances made it easy for children of all ages (and abilities) to follow the action. What really stood out was how thoughtfully accessible this show was. British Sign Language was seamlessly integrated into the performance by the cast themselves – not as an add-on, but as part of the storytelling. This creative approach, alongside easy-to-read captions on the screen and clear visual storytelling, made it feel naturally inclusive. And, as we entered the auditorium, there was a table offering ear defenders to borrow – perfect for children who are sound-sensitive or on the autistic pathway, like Alice & Leo. It all felt incredibly welcoming and well thought out. The relaxed, sensory-friendly vibe meant there was space for everyone to enjoy the adventure – whether you wanted to clap along or just take it all in quietly. Big paw-print of approval for that!

🐶 The Paw-fect Family Adventure

Accessible, exciting, and bursting with bookish fun, The Detective Dog is a fabulous family show that had our kids talking all the way home (and begging to read the book again!). With puppetry that wows, music that moves, and a message that celebrates reading, it’s the perfect introduction to theatre for little detectives aged 3–7. And just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better? The children got to meet Nell in the foyer after the show – sniffy nose and all. That moment alone sealed it as an unforgettable adventure.

“Books, barks and brilliant access – The Detective Dog is a whodunnit that every child can enjoy!”

If you would like more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the show's official website.

Click Me

Photo Credit - Paul Blakemore

*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.