​Dear Zoo at Madinat Theatre

Author Rod Campbell’s best-selling classic lift-the-flap book, Dear Zoo, is being brought to life for the very first time in 2018 as a brilliant new stage production and is now coming to Madinat Theatre from Thursday 7 and Friday 8 March 2019.

Art For All is bringing this very kid-friendly show to Dubai. Dear Zoo, a musical adaptation based on the popular lift-the-flap book, follows the story of Ben. The young boy wants a pet, so he writes to the zoo to dispatch a series of unsuitable pets, the 1982 classic lift-the-flap story has gone on to sell more than 8 million copies worldwide in over 36 years.

Join the hapless zoo keeper as he struggles to find the ultimate pet for his young friend – but fails several times along the way. We love the fact that this play sticks well to the simple story line, but also adds an interactive dimension with all the audience participation and catchy songs along the way. Little ones get to learn all about the different animals featured, their habits, how they live in the wild, and why they don’t make good pets. There’s also a cheeky monkey who pops up at regular intervals for additional comedy value.

Dear Zoo is one of the first books most young children will learn to read with. The adorable ‘lift the flaps’ tale and the surprise element has been a winning formula for decades. Seeing a page to stage adaptation encourages young children to develop further interest in reading their favourite books. Literacy is such an important part of a child’s education, and if we can encourage little ones to relax with a favourite book, we’ve will have achieved something worthwhile.

What follows is a colourful showcase with exotic, strange animals brought to life by a talented cast, including acclaimed theatre director Michael Gattrell and West End rising star Sam Hoye.

Suitable for kids aged two and above, the 55-minute show will take place at Madinat Theatre from Wednesday March 6 to Friday March 8. Expect songs and rhymes that follow the book’s original text, life-size cut-outs, furry friends and crazy costumes.

Timings:

Thursday 7 & Friday 8 March 2019.
• Thu 7 Mar 2019 from 4.30pm until 5.30pm
• Fri 8 Mar 2019 from 11am until 12pm
• Fri 8 Mar 2019 from 2.30pm until 3.30pm
• Frin 8 Mar 2019 from 4.30pm until 5.30pm