The Enormous Crocodile snapped its way onto Stage
The Enormous Crocodile snapped its way into New Theatre Cardiff this week, and thanks to some very kind tickets, we brought along a team of young, brutally honest reviewers — the kind who will tell you within seconds if something is boring, brilliant, or “the best thing ever”. Luckily for everyone involved, this mischievous musical landed firmly in the latter category.
A Roald Dahl classic brought roaringly to life
Developed and directed by Emily Lim, with puppetry by Toby Olié and music by Ahmed Abdullahi Gallab, the show bursts with colour, character, and that unmistakable Dahl blend of cheeky humour and deliciously dark edges. The enormous crocodile himself is a triumph of design — huge, expressive, and just the right amount of terrifying for little ones who love a thrill.
Laughter, gasps, and a whole lot of joy
From the moment the crocodile slithered on stage, the kids were hooked. They laughed, they shouted warnings at the characters, and they sat forward in that unmistakable “I’m fully in this world now” way that only children can. Their verdict was unanimous: “It was SO funny!”“The crocodile was my favourite!”“Can we see it again?”
And honestly, I felt the same. There’s something magical about watching a story you adored as a child unfold in front of you — familiar, nostalgic, and newly alive. The show manages to bridge generations beautifully; I found myself laughing along with them, connecting to the story in ways I didn’t expect.
A jungle full of heart
The supporting creatures — from Trunky to Roly‑Poly Bird — are brought to life with inventive puppetry and warm performances that keep the energy high and the audience engaged. The pacing is tight, the jokes land, and the musical numbers are catchy enough that you’ll be humming them on the way home.
Quotable moments for promotion
“A riotous, colourful adventure that had our young reviewers howling with laughter.”
“A nostalgic delight for grown‑ups and a wildly funny treat for kids.”
“The Enormous Crocodile is a snappy, silly, joy‑filled triumph.”
A show that truly understands its audience
Children don’t fake enthusiasm — and this production earned every giggle, gasp, and wide‑eyed stare. It’s playful, clever, and just the right amount of cheeky. A perfect introduction to theatre for little ones, and a heart‑warming trip down memory lane for the adults who grew up with Dahl’s wicked wit.
Read More about the Cast and Listen to an Interview Here