Quentin Blake’s beloved character Mrs Armitage is heading to the stage in a brand-new musical adaptation of Mrs Armitage on Wheels. The world premiere will run from 18–21 February 2026 as part of Southbank Centre’s Imagine Children’s Festival.
Directed and adapted by Samantha Lane, Artistic Director of Little Angel Theatre, the production promises a treasure trove of clever puppetry and original live music. It is based on the award-winning BBC animated series Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures.
Lane said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be adapting and directing Mrs Armitage on Wheels for the stage. It’s such a joyful, imaginative story – full of heart, humour, and the boundless possibilities of creativity. Mrs Armitage’s world is wonderfully eccentric yet deeply human, and I can’t wait to bring her spirit of inventiveness and togetherness to life in a production that celebrates her generosity, resilience, and sheer love of making marvellous things.”
The story follows Mrs Armitage and her faithful dog Breakspear on a simple bike ride that becomes a whirlwind of inventive upgrades. From horns and snack trays to sails and dog beds, her creativity knows no bounds.
The creative team includes Jessie Maryon Davies (Music and Lyrics), Ryan Dawson Laight (Set and Costume Design), Maia Kirkman-Richards (Puppetry Design and Direction), and Ian Oakley (Sound Design). The production has been developed in association with Eagle Eye and Little Angel Theatre.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
