Stick Man Setting Down Roots Amongst The Young

Part of Leeds Playhouses festive offering sees the return of Stick Man, Julia Donaldson’s classic children’s tale brought to the stage by Freckle Productions. With a lively young audience on my visit obviously ready to enjoy the tale of how Stick Man was diverted from his early morning jog by a dog wanting to play fetch with him, a girl wanting to use him as a sword, a swan building her nest with him and finally, after being swept out sea being used as part of a fire. Will he ever find his way home in time for Christmas?

With a cast of just three hard working actors who sing, dance, play musical instruments, and tell the tale with warmth and just the right amount of childlike humour. With youngsters in abundance, audience participation is a must with touches of panto interspersed (dogs running through the audience, beach balls being tossed around and the classic ‘it’s behind you’ scene). The party of primary school children sat just behind me lapped it all up with relish.

Sam Makepeace-Beach played Stick Man effortlessly, reacting to being bitten on the bottom by the dog with actions sure to make children giggle, Jack Ward showed his versatility playing several musical instruments as well as taking several roles in the story. Making up the trio was swing Hannah Baker who played the Stick Lady Love as well as other parts wonderfully getting into the role of the dog, swan, and little girl with real energy.

This was my second visit to see Stick Man, the first being the Playhouse production 3 years ago with my first grandchild and we still talk about it today. This time it was my second grandchild who was treated to the visit, and I hope it will provide her with as many happy memories. I have no doubt that this will continue to be one of the staples of our Christmas for many years to come.

Theatre for the young has long been a passion of mine. Watching youngsters get caught up in the story and the magic of theatre is heartwarming, and in a production such as this with such brilliant cast members, I can see that despite warnings of a decline in live theatre productions such as this will ensure that future generations will continue to support them. Thank you, Freckle Productions, for producing this enchanting play and Leeds Playhouse for continuing to support theatre for young people.
Photo 3

So, does Stick Man manage to get back home to his Stick Lady Love and his three Stick children in time for Christmas? I don’t think I’m spoiling the surprise by saying with a little magical help, of course he does. But this is children’s story with, as many of Juia Donaldson’s tales, much more to offer always full of little messages in this one family, friendship, and resilience. If you have a young child and want to give them a magical Christmas treat you can do no better than take them to Stick Man.

Stick Man Leeds Playhouse until 4th January 2026