The Tricycle hosts the return of one of Complicite’s most popular recent hits, the adaptation of a novel by Zizou Corder. This company always manage to be both spectacularly beautiful and deeply thought-provoking in their storytelling. And this tale of a boy who sets out to rescue his kidnapped parents, accompanied by a pride of performing lions, is no exception. With circus acts and live percussion brought into the intimate space of the Tricycle, we’d recommend this over other musicals in the West End for your Christmas outing. Here, the close-up magic is sure to be both spellbinding and full of heart.

What	Lionboy, Tricycle Theatre
Where	Kiln Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Road, London, NW6 7JR \| MAP
Nearest tube	Kilburn (underground)
When	17 Dec 14 – 10 Jan 15, 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Price	£13+
Website	Click here for more information and booking

Culture whisper says

The children were captivated by the adventures of Charlie Ashanti. Poignant themes about fitting in and doing the right thing were brought to life with refreshing wit. But it was the simplicity that made this production so charming. Live percussion punctuates the drama and the ensemble cast shift between a variety of characters seamlessly and manipulate a few props to become anything from a canoe to cage. The physical theatre became almost magical, with hoopla acrobatics making the audience gasp and some beautiful shadow puppetry. Our highlight was when a moral dilemma was explored as a faux boxing match. It was an ingenious way of introducing complex issues, and so rousing that children were out of their seats, jumping and cheering and grown ups were fighting back tears.

Lionboy, Tricycle Theatre

Spectacular children's show 'Lionboy' comes to the West End Tricycle Theatre, with circus acts and live percussion that are likely to be spellbinding