No Such Thing As Wolves at Birmingham Hippodrome Review
Oliver Sidney, Elinor Peregrin, Faye Campbell, Beth O’Rorke and Matthew Rutherford in No Such Thing as Wolves. Photo by Pamela Raith
Written by Roni for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Birmingham Hippodrome’s New Musical Theatre department is now into its second year of championing and producing new material in the UK, and this Christmas they’re aiming high with family show No Such Thing As Wolves. Christmas can be a tough market to cater to, and do it well – can they possibly manage to captivate all kids, from 1 to 92?
Deep in the heart of the forest, Hettie the Hedgehog and her Dad are preparing to hibernate for winter – that is, if Dad can convince a terrified Hettie that there is ‘no such thing as wolves’ and finally sing her to sleep! When their sleep is disrupted by the arrival of Sydney the Superhero Squirrel, Sydney suggests that Hattie throw a party to celebrate winter instead of sleeping through it as usual. As Hattie organises the party and starts inviting the rest of the forest, it seems that those closest to her may not quite be telling her the whole story – can there really be no such thing as wolves?…
The Hippodrome’s Patrick Studio has been transformed for this production into a mystical winter forest that is perfect for the festive season. The smaller space also gives a much more intimate feel that will be well suited for younger audience members, as this is the second ‘My First Musical’ produced by the Hippodrome’s New Musical Theatre department, following on from their successful inaugural show The Jingleclaw, last year. The band is also situated as though in the treetops, meaning backing vocals are often provided by birds reminiscent of the Beatles’ vultures à la The Jungle Book. The music within the show is incredibly strong: it’s easy to follow, incredibly catchy, and gives room for audience interaction (which, as everyone knows, is key to a successful production around Christmas time). The wolves villain number in particular, More Than Wolves, is an incredible number, and writers Gerard Foster and Richie Webb have created something spectacular and standout for what appears on the surface to be a quaint little kids’ show.
Of course, a show would be nothing without its cast, and acting for children successfully is actually no mean feat. This is a small cast made up of only 5 on stage actors, but the production is certainly far from lacking in presence. Matthew Rutherford is Hettie’s Dad Henry, and fulfils his role of exasperated parent to perfection, as so many of us do this time of year. Faye Campbell is lovely as Hettie, and is so expressive and captivating that the audience, both young and old, can’t help but be swept up by her, especially when coupled with Beth O’Rorke’s Sydney. O’Rorke gives a slightly more cheeky performance that brings a needed nuance between villain and naivety, showing that heroes are just ordinary people who walk among us. Elinor Peregrin is highly amusing as the blundering Woofy, and delivers some impressive harmony lines; the show is, however, stolen slightly by Oliver Sidney as Whiffy, who displays a comedic brilliance that seems to be a particular hit with the younger audience members (and definitely has the grown-ups chuckling too).
Overall, this is a sweet production that will really fill a gap for families with young children who are not quite panto-ready. It’s short, it’s vibrant, it’s catchy, and it is genuine fun for the whole family looking for something different this Christmas – what more could you ask Santa for?!
Plays until 4 January 2026
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
