The Tiger Who Came to Tea – West End Live in Bangkok: A Charming and Well-Crafted Delight for All Ages

I had the pleasure of attending The Tiger Who Came to Tea on its September 18 opening night at Bangkok's M-Theatre thanks to one of their many contests. The experience was made even more special knowing that the cast came straight from the West End, bringing their talent and energy to the stage.

My day began with an early start as I made my way to the bus station, dressed in what felt like the perfect outfit for tea, complete with a blue bow reminiscent of Sophie’s.

Despite Thailand’s unpredictable September weather—it had been sunny all week, but of course, it rained on the day of the show—I was determined to make it. The bus I boarded had a malfunction, but thankfully, a replacement arrived within an hour. I was excited to have been invited to watch The Tiger Who Came to Tea, organized by Curtain Up Drama and Magic is Bangkok’s leading English-language drama school. I had participated in their contests to win tickets and got some for my friends, as my family wasn't available to join. We arrived at M-Theatre just in time for the 6 pm show, and waiting around, I couldn't help but smile seeing the audience dressed in afternoon tea outfits—or even as tigers, leopards, and other felines. It was like a fun throwback to 2023's Barbie screenings.

As someone who enjoys musical theater but typically avoids shows aimed at children due to often grating music and dialogue, I was pleasantly surprised by The Tiger Who Came to Tea. This production managed to strike the perfect balance between being entertaining for children while still being enjoyable for adults. The songs were catchy, perfectly pitched, and not over-the-top, making the show a charming experience from start to finish. It's only about an hour long, making it well-paced with no room to get bored! The story kicked off with the cast singing about what a play is and what it's all about, setting a fun tone for the rest of the performance. The humor was light and a little witty, making it an ideal family-friendly show. One of the most engaging moments was when the cast encouraged the audience to join in the singing and dancing, which added an interactive layer of fun without feeling forced. A particularly fun moment was when the tiger and the entire family led the audience through a tiger aerobics routine, complete with trumpet-playing and sing-alongs—definitely a crowd-pleaser!

The stagecraft also really caught my attention, especially the magic of how the tiger managed to "eat" everything—from sandwiches and biscuits to props filled with liquids. It felt like a magic show at times, with seamless tricks that made food and objects disappear. While it’s likely that stagehands were involved behind the scenes for certain parts, some of the tricks were executed so smoothly that they instantly drew my attention.

All three cast members Tia Dunce (Sophie), Joseph Saunders (Daddy, milkman, postman, Tiger), and Katie Tripp (Mummy) shone brightly, delivering a polished and engaging performance. This was my first encounter with the story, as I hadn’t read the book before. I briefly wondered if the tiger might symbolize something deeper from Judith Kerr’s past, given her childhood in Nazi Germany. However, it seems more fitting to simply enjoy the tiger as a friendly, playful character—an uninvited guest who devours all the food. It’s no wonder that The Tiger Who Came to Tea received an Olivier nomination; keeping some “tiger food” on hand might be wise in case it decides to visit again!

The only downside to my evening was the young adult sitting in front of me, who arrived late and proceeded to film parts of the play with her phone, brightness turned all the way up. It was distracting enough to make me want to kick her chair hard. Theater etiquette, people!

In all, The Tiger Who Came to Tea was a delightful blend of charm, wit, and magical stagecraft that captivated both children and adults alike. The cast’s infectious energy, combined with seamless tricks and catchy tunes, made for an unforgettable experience.

Beyond the show itself, I had a wonderful chat with the friendly and enthusiastic people who organized the event, discussing theater and pop culture, which made the evening even more memorable. The opening night was nothing short of magical, and I hope the rest of the shows this week will be just as enchanting, potentially paving the way for more West End productions to bring their work to Asia.

5 out of 5 stars.