On Sunday my 6 year old and I went to see Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas at the Garrick Theatre. Maddie, best known for her appearances on Cbeebies, Youtube and Maddie’s Do You Know, is well known for making STEM fun engaging and accessible for all ages and her live show did not disappoint.

Maddie who is on work experience at the North Pole workshop has to help solve a series of problems in order to prepare for Mrs Claus’ annual party. Along with her helpers, head of elf and safety Goggles and apprentice toy maker Tinker they work together to solve the problems using science.

Maddie was fun and engaging and moved smoothly between the storyline and the science experiments making the show feel seamless and well structured. Goggles brought a fantastic level of comedy and Tinker supported Maddie with excellent energy and enthusiasm.

A colourful set and lighting were used well and multiple props enhanced the performances of Maddie and the elves while the surprise call ins from Mrs Claus always brought humour and kept the story moving forward.

The science was all Christmas related and whether it was showing us why Christmas crackers make a bang or why eating too many brussels sprouts will result in a stinky kitchen Maddie brought the fun to STEM and I even learned something new! A big screen and close up camera helped to draw the audience in to all of the experiments, it didn’t matter where you were sitting you had a fantastic view of all of the experiments. There was a good level of audience participation with some very cool science twists but it is more of a formal show than some currently running in the west end. At a running time of an hour and recommended for 4 years and up this might be more fun for older children, though my 6 year old had a fantastic time and loved all the science! Playing at the Garrick theatre until the 4^th of January, Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas brings an afternoon of festive fun for the whole family, and who knows you might even learn something new!

Review by Alexandria Wharram

Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas is playing at the Garrick until the 4th January. You can find out more and book tickets here.

If you like this review you might also like my review of Stick Man, Little Bulb’s Nutcracker and Robin Hood at New Wimbledon Theatre.