Review: Toto the Ninja Cat Brings Pawsome Magic and High-Octane Adventure to Curve Leicester ★★★★

Looking for a theatrical treat that will dazzle the kids without leaving the adults checking their watches? Look no further. Co-produced by Little Angel Theatre, Mercury Theatre, Colchester, and Mayflower Southampton, this brand-new family musical—based on Dermot O’Leary’s best-selling children’s book illustrated by Nick East—is an absolute delight for everyone over five. Running at Curve Leicester (just an hour and a bit out of London) through this Sunday, it’s a purr-fectly thrilling spectacle that is as heartwarming as it is energetic.

A Daring Feline Adventure

The story introduces us to Toto. On the surface, she seems like your average house cat, but beneath her sleepy daytime exterior lies a fully trained ninja with incredible skills, a huge heart, and a nose for adventure. Oh, and she happens to be almost completely blind. When a deadly King Cobra escapes onto the streets of London, Toto and her cheeky brother Silver set off on a nighttime mission where she must use every ounce of her courage and cunning to save the day.

Much like the author himself, the storyline strikes the perfect balance: it is delightfully silly and packed with laugh-out-loud fun, yet anchored by a surprisingly big heart.

Stunning Puppetry and World-Class Craftsmanship

Where this production truly soars is in its visual design and execution. The puppets are stunning creatures to look at—absolutely adorable, expertly crafted, and completely impossible to take your eyes off.

Bringing these characters to life is a phenomenal team of puppeteers. They handle the puppets with such skill and precision that they seamlessly fade into the background, letting the characters shine without ever creating a distraction.

Seamless Staging and Glorious Tunes

The broader production values are top-tier. The set transitions effortlessly, backed by gorgeous scenery, clever lighting, and imaginative staging that keeps the narrative moving at a brisk, engaging pace.

Accompanying Toto’s London escapades is a score of glorious original music that had the younger audience members completely hooked from the start. But make no mistake—this isn’t just a show for the kids. As an adult, it was pure joy to kick back, relax, and simply take in the theatrical magic.

The Verdict: Charming, visually captivating, and packed with wonderful music, this is top-tier family entertainment and a joyous way to keep kids entertained in the Summer. Catch it before it leaps out of Leicester!