REVIEW – ZOG | The Lowry | 15/04/2026
- Sarah Monaghan
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
Zog at The Lowry: A Roaring, Soaring Family Favourite
Zog returns to The Lowry as part of a UK and Ireland tour, bringing Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved story back to the stage just in time for the Easter holidays. Produced by Freckle Productions, this adaptation has become a firm favourite for families since its debut, and it’s easy to see why.
We’ve previously seen Zog at The Lowry back in 2023 and absolutely loved it, so we were very excited to see how this latest production compares—and whether it still has that same magical spark that makes it such a standout children’s theatre experience.
With music and lyrics by Joe Stilgoe and direction by Ryan McBryde, this production promises a lively mix of storytelling, puppetry, and catchy songs—and it certainly delivers.
At the heart of Zog is a simple but powerful story about perseverance, friendship, and believing in yourself. Zog is the most eager student at dragon school—but also the most accident-prone. Whether it’s flying into trees or setting his own wing on fire, things don’t always go to plan.
Each year, Madam Dragon sets her class a new challenge—from flying and roaring to capturing a princess—and Zog is determined to earn that all-important golden star. Along the way, he meets Pearl, a kind and clever girl who helps him through his many mishaps.
What unfolds is a fun, fast-paced adventure filled with humour, heart, and an uplifting message about finding your own path. The story stays wonderfully true to the much-loved book while adding plenty of theatrical flair to keep young audiences engaged throughout.
The set is cleverly designed around a central climbing-frame style structure, which the cast use brilliantly to create different locations and levels throughout the show. It’s simple but effective, allowing the action—and the characters—to really shine.
The costumes strike a lovely balance between playful and practical, with performers switching seamlessly between characters. The dragon elements are especially fun, and the use of puppetry is a real highlight. The puppets are beautifully crafted and instantly recognisable, capturing the charm of Axel Scheffler’s original illustrations while adding a magical stage presence.
Musically, this show is an absolute joy. Joe Stilgoe’s songs are catchy, upbeat, and perfectly suited to younger audiences. There’s a great mix of humour and heart in the lyrics, and don’t be surprised if you leave the theatre still humming along.
Lighting is used effectively to support the storytelling, helping to shift the mood between the different lessons and adventures at dragon school without ever feeling overwhelming for younger viewers.
This talented cast brings incredible energy to the stage, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish.
Samuel John Taylor is fantastic as Zog, capturing both his clumsy charm and determination with warmth and humour. It’s a performance that makes you instantly root for him.
Jess Lobo shines as Pearl, bringing a lovely mix of kindness, confidence, and independence to the role. Her vocals are beautiful, and she gives the character a real sense of heart.
Lotti Brogan is brilliant as Madam Dragon and the Governess, commanding the stage with authority while still keeping things fun and engaging for younger audience members—especially during the interactive moments.
Hugh Cotton provides plenty of laughs as both Cedric and Sir Gadabout, with excellent comic timing that lands just as well with adults as it does with children.
The entire cast work seamlessly together, juggling multiple roles, puppetry, and musical numbers with impressive skill and energy.
Zog at The Lowry is everything you could want from a family theatre trip—funny, engaging, full of music, and packed with heart. It’s a brilliant introduction to theatre for younger audiences, with just the right balance of storytelling, interaction, and spectacle to keep little ones captivated.
At around one hour long, it’s perfectly paced, and the interactive elements—especially the audience participation—are a huge hit with children.
Whether you’re discovering Zog for the first time or returning to it like we did, this production proves just how timeless and magical Julia Donaldson’s stories can be on stage.
A joyful, feel-good family show that proves even the most accident-prone dragon can truly soar.
Zog will be showing at The Lowry until Sunday, 19th April 2026. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.
For more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the official website.
Photo Credit - Jess Shurte
*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.
Comments