Getting to Know the Cast of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show by author/illustrator Eric Carle has captured the attention of many generations of readers since it was first published in 1969. The timeless classic has come to life with this critically acclaimed theatrical feast, featuring 75 lovable puppets.

In anticipation of the show, we jumped at the opportunity to sit down with the show's cast members Adam Ryan, Katie Haygarth, Andrew Cullimore and Sarah Hamilton to find out what they think about the story and its message.

1. What interested you the most about Children’s Theatre?
AR: Children’s theatre is fantastic to be a part of because at every performance, it will probably be at least one child’s first theatre experience. It’s a great progression from reading the book to seeing it live on stage and to be able to provide such joy and happiness to young people is an incredible feeling.
KH: There is nothing more exciting than seeing a child watch a piece of theatre for the first time in their life. There is no disbelief, their imaginations let them fall completely into the world of whatever story it is that they are watching unfold. 
SH:  I love how honest children are when they are watching theatre. Unlike adults you know exactly how they feel about what they are watching because of their genuine and instant reactions.

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2. Is The Very Hungry Caterpillar a story you have been brought up with? Were you familiar with it before joining the cast?
KH: Absolutely, I remember being read the very hungry caterpillar by my mother and the book has now been passed down to my godchildren.
AC: The book and story are infamous. I believe you would be hard pressed to find an adult who hasn't heard of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and his journey to enlightenment. To be honest, I can't remember reading it or it being read to me but I've always known of it and would recommend it to everyone.
SH: Absolutely! My mum still has the copy she read to my sister and I as kids. I suspect it will be the same copy I read to my kids in the future!

3. What do you feel is the most important message for children in the show?
AR: As the show is made up of four of Eric Carle’s books (The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, Mister Seahorse, The Very Lonely Firefly and The Very Hungry Caterpillar), each story conveys a different message or lesson, from the importance of friendship to simple things such as manners.
KH: That's a tricky one because there are so many messages, whether it be The Very Hungry Caterpillar counting and learning foods or The Artist who painted a blue horse teaching us about colours. I think the best thing about the show is that it is a wonderful introduction to a child's first theatre experience.
AC: The show is packed with educational messages. It not only teaches the days of the week and counting but it touches on greed, consequence and above all: science.

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4. Is there any message parents can take away from it, to teach their kids?
KH: That stories, imagination and creativity should be something they encourage in their children, don't just sit them in front of the TV or an iPad, help them to keep their imaginations alive.
AC: Just like the ugly duckling turned into a beautiful swan, the Caterpillar goes through an equally glamourous and glorious process. I guess the message is that no matter how humble your beginnings, the future can be magnificent.
SH: Basic learning, such as colours, days of the week and counting as well as more sensitive subjects such as family, love and belonging.

5. Do you find performing for children more/less difficult in any way? If so, how and why?
AR: I think it is more difficult to be honest as there is such a fine line between talking down to children and encouraging them to be on your side. The best thing about children’s theatre is the instant feedback you get from them in the auditorium. You will immediately know if they like it or not.
KH: I find it more realistic as kids are definitely the hardest to please and are pretty strong critics. If they are not enjoying it or are bored, there's no hiding it - you will know within minutes. However, when they love it, the smiles, laughter, complete belief, is magical! 

6. Out of Eric Carle's other stories included in the show, which one is your favourite?
AR: Mister Seahorse is my favourite story that's in the show. It’s a beautiful story under the sea that teaches children that the male seahorse carries the babies until they are born. I really like this story too as the puppets are beautiful and aesthetic on stage really does transport you to another world.
KH: Mister and Mrs Seahorse mostly because the sea horses are covered in sequins and are sooo sparkly! But I also love the story of all the male fish taking care of the babies.
AC: My favourite story has to be The Artist Who Painted A Blue Horse, in which I play the Artist. The story is the perfect opening to the show as it not only breaks down the fourth wall, which establishes a relationship with the audience, but it fully betrays logic and makes abstract creativity acceptable. No child is expecting a blue horse and it opens up the concept that in theatre the improbable can not only be possible but can thrive.

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7. Would you consider the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar a classic and a must-read for all young children?
KH: Yes, there is a reason it has sold over 63 million copies, it is a beautiful yet simplistic story and children all over the world connect with different elements of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
AC: Absolutely. The best thing about the book is the perfectly sized finger holes for all those inquisitive little fingers to touch and fit through so they can learn as much as possible.