The Roald Dahl Story Company's "wickedly funny" family musical based on Roald Dahl's The Enormous Crocodile, began at the Rose Theatre yesterday (Tuesday, 1 April) - perfectly aligned with the Easter holidays. 

Now, as I rocked up to the Rose alone for today's afternoon matinee (Thursday, 2 April) surrounded by families with young children, I was skeptical as to whether I would enjoy the show, but I can already comfortably say that adults will enjoy it too.

The stage setting is spectacular, reminiscent of a real-life jungle. 

While the musical consists of several characters, including animals, a teacher, and children, this production only has five actors interchanging between characters using props and puppetry, and I must say that all five of them were absolutely marvelous and perfect for children's theatre. 

Among the cast are Chelsea Da Silva as The Enormous Crocodile, Precious Abimbola as Trunky the Elephant, Jordan Eskeisa as Humpy Rumpy the Hippopotamus, Ciara Hudson as Roly Poly Bird, and Marienella Phillips as Muggle Wump the Monkey - these are just the main characters they play. 



Chelsea Da Silva (The Enormous Crocodile) and Precious Abimbola (Trunky the Elephant) (Credit: Danny Kaan)

While I have not read Dahl's book, I heard from various audience members that the production is slightly different from the book, allowing it to fit the musical style and length (55 minutes). 

Following The Enormous Crocodile's quest to find children to munch on in the jungle, the show begins with the characters (sans The Enormous Crocodile) singing an intro song, and I was immediately impressed with how well each actor sang as well as their incredible dance moves, facial expressions, and puppetry. 

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They all spoke really clearly too, in that panto-like style, which was easy enough for the many young children in the audience to understand. 

Soon, we are introduced to the star of the show, The Enormous Crocodile, and Da Silva had one of the most beautiful singing voices I have ever heard. 

And the crocodile prop-like costume was amazing - I was surprised that Da Silva's thighs were not aching from sliding around in it. 

In fact, all of the costume props were incredible, most notably the child puppet costumes, expertly maneuvered by Ambiola, Eskesia, and Hudson. 

Filled with catchy songs to narrate the play and lots of dancing, the cast did an excellent job of keeping the audience entertained and laughing throughout. 

I was particularly impressed at their ability to fully embody several different characters, Abimola's marvellous singing voice, Eskeisa's fabulous facial expressions, Phillips' expert dance moves, and Hudson's ability to wonderfully speak in various different accents. 

And there was lots of audience engagement too - perfect for a show targeted at children - from chanting and dancing to even throwing crocodile food (rubber peanuts), which were handed out at the start of the play, toward the stage. 

Without giving away any spoilers, The Enormous Crocodile The Musical tells a story of courage and bravery, and of course has a happy ending with no children eaten. 

With spectacular lighting and sound, this over the top yet fabulous production had the audience dancing in and jumping out of their seats and is the perfect family activity for the Easter holidays.

The production, which is running at the Rose Theatre until 12 April, is "most suitable" for ages three plus but is welcome to all ages.Tickets are still on sale and can be bought here with merch available to buy in the Rose's cafe before each performance.