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Wild dining at Heath Ledger Theatre in The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Tanya MacNaughtonEastern Reporter

WHAT would you do if a tiger knocked on your door and politely asked to have tea?

In Judith Kerr’s cherished children’s book, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, young girl Sophie takes it in her stride, in some pretty iconic tights, and invites him in.

English actor Abbey Norman has played the role of Sophie in the stage adaptation since it opened at London’s Bloomsbury Theatre in 2008.

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The production has taken her from the West End to Dubai, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai, Sydney and Melbourne.

It will finally tour Perth in January.

“This show is a joy to be a part of; it’s such a classic book and to bring it to life is a privilege,” the 30-year-old said.

“If you are a fan of the book it is like the pages coming to life in front of your eyes. The design and costumes of the show are magical and there are of course some extra surprises along the way.

“The songs add to the atmosphere and give the audience a chance to participate in the fun and feel a part of our adventure.”

Known as the smallest child with the loudest voice at school, Norman said she had jumped at the opportunity to work with director David Wood who “has made children’s theatre what it is today in the UK”.

“The book was having its 40th anniversary when we opened and it’s amazing that it is still as popular today,” Norman said.

“Judith Kerr’s wit and beautiful illustrations still seem timeless.”

Norman said she looked forward to seeing relativesin Perth who she last visited when around her character Sophie’s age.

“It was as magical an adventure then for me as a tiger coming to tea,” she said.

“I remember very well my first encounter with a kangaroo. He didn’t come to tea but I brought tea to him and that was pretty exciting.”

THE ESSENTIALS

What: The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Where: Heath Ledger Theatre

When: January 27 to 30

Tickets: www.ticketek.com.au