Many parents of under-10s will be familiar with Stick Man, one of the best-loved titles in Julia Donaldson’s catalogue of alarmingly catchy children’s books.

I’m no exception - Stick Man has been a firm bedtime favourite for my three-year-old, to the point where I can now recite large chunks by heart (surely a badge of honour for any parent of a preschooler).

So, when the Free Press was invited to see the book’s theatrical adaptation at the Wycombe Swan this week, I jumped at the chance.

At around 50 minutes long, the show was perfectly pitched for small viewers - short enough to hold their attention, yet packed with energy, music and laughter. It proved a delightful gateway into theatre for little ones.

The highlights were the interactivity and clever staging. There were plenty of opportunities for children to get involved from pointing out where the dog was hiding to helping Stick Man blend into the audience. My little one was also fascinated by the lighting effects, which changed playfully to match the action on stage.

The cast of three were every bit as engaging and entertaining as you’d hope. One took on the title role, while the others swapped between narrating, singing and playing a host of lively supporting characters. Their musical numbers were a real strength - somehow making an already-catchy book even more of an earworm. Put it this way: 24 hours later, I’m still humming the tune.

Our seats in the stalls (Row G, 33–36) were excellent, offering a great view of the action. And, crucially for parents, the Wycombe Swan proved very family-friendly. Entry was simple - tickets on the phone, helpful ushers to guide you in — and there was a handy accessible toilet with a baby change area right by the exit (a small but very welcome detail).

When asked what he thought, my three-year-old gave a solid “good”, and when pressed on his favourite part, said, “I just liked them singing.” High praise indeed. He's joined in with me as I've unknowingly started singing the theme song for the twelfth time today.

Another highlight was seeing Father Christmas on stage which set off questions about "presents" on the way home. Not that my three-year-old needs much encouragement on that department!

Friends who joined us summed it up nicely: “It was fun, the songs were catchy, and the audience participation was great. It was a bit… abstract in places, unless you already know the story, you might struggle to follow it.”

Overall, Stick Man is a charming, lively adaptation and a wonderful first foray into theatre for young children. Expect laughter, music, and a few toe-tapping tunes you’ll still be humming the next day.

Families who missed the show can catch Stick Man again soon, as the Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler favourite continues its UK tour this autumn. It returns to Buckinghamshire for a festive run at The Stables in Milton Keynes from December 16, 2025 to January4, 2026. Visit stickmanonstage.com for more information. For other family-friendly shows coming up at Wycombe Swan, see what’s on at wycombeswan.co.uk.