Beloved Children's Book Pedals onto the Stage
A cherished children's story by the legendary Sir Quentin Blake is set for a thrilling new incarnation. Mrs Armitage on Wheels will be brought to life as a brand new musical production, promising to captivate audiences with its whimsical charm.
The world premiere will be hosted at London's prestigious Southbank Centre, marking a significant event for family theatre. The show is scheduled to run from February 18 to 21, 2026, as a highlight of the venue's popular Imagine Festival.
Creative Vision Behind the Production
Spearheading this imaginative venture is Samantha Lane, the Artistic Director of the acclaimed Little Angel Theatre. She expressed immense enthusiasm for the project, stating she is "absolutely thrilled to be adapting and directing 'Mrs Armitage on Wheels' for the stage."
Lane described the source material as a "joyful, imaginative story – full of heart, humour and the boundless possibilities of creativity." She aims to capture the essence of Mrs Armitage's world, which she finds "wonderfully eccentric yet deeply human," and is eager to translate its "spirit of inventiveness and togetherness" into a live performance.
The creative team assembling to realise this vision includes:
- Jessie Maryon Davies for music and lyrics.
- Ryan Dawson Laight for set and costume design.
- Maia Kirkman-Richards for puppetry design and direction.
- Ian Oakley as the sound designer.
The Story and Its Illustrious Creator
The narrative follows the brilliantly inventive Mrs Armitage and her dog, Breakspear. What begins as a simple bicycle ride to visit her cousin, Angela, quickly transforms into an epic adventure. Mrs Armitage's journey is punctuated by a series of increasingly creative and hilarious modifications to her bicycle, from adding horns and snack trays to fitting an umbrella, a dog bed, and even a sail.
This stage adaptation will creatively utilise puppetry and live music to tell this story, following a previous television adaptation for the BBC.
The mind behind this chaotic genius is Sir Quentin Blake, a titan of children's literature. Now 92, Sir Quentin has illustrated more than 300 books. He is perhaps most famous for his iconic collaborations with the late author Roald Dahl, having provided the distinctive illustrations for classics such as:
- The BFG
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
- Matilda
Beyond his collaborative work, he has also written and illustrated over 30 of his own titles. His immense contribution to the arts was recognised when he served as the first-ever British Children's Laureate from 1999 to 2001 and when he was knighted in the 2013 New Year Honours.
Tickets for the 50-minute performance, which is recommended for children aged three and above, are now available with prices starting from £20.
In related news, it was recently announced that the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is scheduled to open at a heritage site in Clerkenwell, central London, in May 2026, further cementing the artist's lasting legacy.
