Dermot O’Leary’s bestselling children’s book Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape, illustrated by Nick East, is set to be adapted for the stage in a brand-new family musical premiering in Spring 2026.
The world premiere production is a co-production between Little Angel Theatre, Mercury Theatre Colchester, and Mayflower Southampton. It will open at Mercury Theatre Colchester (2–18 April), followed by Little Angel Theatre London (16 May–19 July), and Mayflower Studios (23–26 July), before embarking on a UK tour.
Author Dermot O’Leary said, “I’m over the moon to see my book brought to life through puppetry. Toto is currently fast asleep, blissfully unaware of all the attention, but speaking on her behalf, she’ll be thrilled to bits that her adventures are about to come to life, in theatres to audiences all around the country.”
Illustrator Nick East added, “Working with Dermot on the Toto the Ninja Cat series has been an utter delight, and I’m thrilled that the amazing Little Angel team are now giving our fearless feline a whole new adventure in puppet form – it’s sure to be the cat’s whiskers!”
The adaptation will be brought to life by Little Angel Artistic Director Samantha Lane and acclaimed musician Barb Jungr, who were Olivier-nominated for Best Family Show in 2023 for The Smartest Giant in Town. Puppetry design is by Oliver Hymans, with lighting by Sherry Coenen.
Co-adaptors Samantha Lane and Barb Jungr said, “We are absolutely thrilled to be co-adapting Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape. It’s such a joyful, funny, and heartwarming story, and we can’t wait to bring Toto’s world, full of courage, friendship, and adventure, to life on stage. Led by a stellar creative team, the production promises brilliant songs, imaginative puppetry, and an abundance of surprises for audiences of all ages.”
Natasha Rickman, Artistic Director of Mercury Theatre, commented, “We are so thrilled to be bringing Toto the Ninja Cat and The Great Snake Escape to the stage in this world premiere – especially with Dermot O’Leary’s connection to Colchester, having grown up here. It promises joy, music and adventure, and we can’t wait to share the magic with audiences this Spring.”
The musical will also tour to Bristol Redgrave (28–30 July), Birmingham Town Hall (15–16 August), Weymouth Pavilion (18–19 August), Guildford Yvonne Arnaud (20–23 August), and Capital Theatres (23–25 October), with more dates to be announced.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
