Dogs don't do ballet, Little Angel Theatre

The Little Angel Theatre's Dogs Don't Do Ballet continues to go from strength to strength. Following a successful sell-out run last winter and an extensive Spring Tour earlier this year – both of which were met with rave reviews – this charming piece of puppet theatre returns to the Little Angel Theatre this Christmas. If you haven't seen it already, you won't want to miss out!

Dogs Don't Do Ballet is based on the much-loved children's picture book of the same name by Anna Kemp with illustrations by Sara Ogilvie, which has been brought to life in a delightful stage adaptation by David Duffy and Andrea Sadler. Duffy, who for many years has been technical manager at the Little Angel, also directs the production, while Andrea Sadler is one of two performers in the show, alongside Ronnie le Drew. Together, the entertaining pair skilfully carry the production, manipulating the charismatic puppets designed by Keith Frederick, and also playing non-puppet character roles in this quirky tale that will have both kids and adults in stitches.

The uplifting story follows budding ballerina Anna and her unconventional dog Biff, who, to everyone's amazement, much prefers prancing and pirouetting to chasing sticks, sniffing lamp posts and scratching for fleas. His incongruous love of ballet is opposed by many, including Anna's father, her overbearing ballet teacher, and the long-suffering piano accompanist. Unfazed, Biff surprises everyone during a trip to the Royal Ballet, proving once and for all that you mustn't stereotype, and that people are free to be whatever they want to be.

With it's intricate puppets, comic moments, audience participation and ballet music favourites such as Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev, Dogs Don't Do Ballet is a truly well-crafted production. We defy anyone not to be inspired by this lovable pug in a tutu!

Ticket price: Adult: £12, Child: £10 - suitable for ages 2-6

Address and map: 17 Dagmar Passage, Islington N1 2DN

Nearest Tube station: Angel, Highbury and Islington