From Page to Stage: 5 Reasons Kids Love Live Adaptations of Their Favourite Books
Ever wonder why children’s book adaptations on stage are so popular? From Matilda to Tales from Acorn Wood, families are flocking to theatres—and here’s why in a nutshell:
- Favourite Stories and Characters come to life
- A Feast for all the senses
- Fun and Interactive with no screens!
- Lessons Stick
- Magical Memories for families
As 2026 marks the National Year of Reading, LittleBird.co.uk is going all in on celebrating books and the joy of reading in every form—where stories naturally come to life on the theatre stage.
Why they work…
Page-to-stage shows combine imagination, excitement, and learning in one unforgettable package. They don’t just entertain—they inspire kids to read, dream, and explore new worlds.
There’s something magical about seeing a beloved story leap off the page and come to life right in front of your eyes. Over the past decade, page-to-stage adaptations of children’s books have surged in popularity, captivating audiences young and old. But what specifically is it about these theatrical experiences that resonates so deeply with children and families?
Familiar Stories, New Experiences
Children love stories they know. Seeing familiar characters and plots in a live setting allows children to engage with the story in a fresh way. The excitement of watching a story unfold in real time adds a new layer of adventure to a tale – bringing it to life!
Multi-Sensory Engagement
Books engage the imagination primarily through words and illustrations. The stage, however, adds movement, music, sound effects, costumes, and lighting. This multi-sensory experience can make characters and scenes more vivid, helping children connect with the story emotionally and cognitively. For young audiences, this kind of immersive storytelling can spark creativity, curiosity, and even, hopefully, nurture a love for reading.
Interactive and Relatable Experiences
Stage adaptations often incorporate audience interaction, songs, and participatory elements. Kids can giggle, sing along, be themselves or even become part of the story in some productions. This interactivity transforms storytelling from a passive experience into an active, communal one, making theatre accessible, fun, and memorable
Reinforcing Values and Lessons
Many children’s books carry important life lessons—friendship, courage, empathy, resilience. Watching these stories acted out reinforces these messages in a way that is easy to understand. Seeing characters navigate challenges on stage makes abstract lessons more concrete and relatable for young audiences.
Family-Friendly Entertainment
Theatre adaptations of children’s books provide a shared cultural experience for families. Parents, children, grandparents, carers and wider family and friends can bond over a story they both know, while also experiencing the excitement of seeing it performed live. These shows often spark discussions about the story afterward, encouraging reading and imagination beyond the theatre walls.
The Power of Spectacle
For children, spectacle is captivating. Large puppets, animated projections, clever stagecraft, and whimsical costumes turn familiar stories into extraordinary adventures. Page-to-stage adaptations often bring imaginative worlds to life in ways illustrations alone cannot, creating lasting memories and inspiring young minds
In Conclusion…
Page-to-stage adaptations of children’s books work because they combine familiarity with innovation. They bridge the gap between the imagination sparked by reading and the sensory magic of live performance. By breathing life into beloved stories, these shows create enchanting experiences that inspire, educate, and entertain, proving that the magic of books is only amplified when shared on stage.
Plus, many theatres now offer relaxed or sensory-friendly performances, designed specifically with SEN audiences in mind. These often include lower sound levels, softer lighting, no sudden loud noises and the opportunity to move about freely, make noise and leave and re-enter at any time.
Here are just some of the wonderful page to stage productions LittleBird.co.uk are currently supporting and a link so you can buy tickets and experience the magic for yourselves!
PADDINGTON The Musical is based on the iconic characters from Michael Bond’s books, with a story inspired by the award-winning 2014 film. Packed with show-stopping songs, dazzling choreography, mishaps and mayhem at every turn. Now showing at the Savoy Theatre, tickets from £30, book here.
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s joyous, heart-warming multi-award winning musical inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl. Now showing in the West End, London at Cambridge Theatre, tickets from £24, book here.
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life on stage for the first time in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience. Packed full of toe-tapping songs, puppetry, and all the friends from Acorn Wood. Now on UK tour, book tickets here
This hilarious new musical is based on the worldwide bestselling book series from Dav Pilkey. On at Southbank Centre this summer, this epic musical adventure features the hilarity and heart of author Dav Pilkey’s beloved characters. Tickets here.
The Boy at the Back of the Class
Based on the bestselling novel by Onjali Q. Raúf, The Boy at the Back of the Class highlights the power of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn’t always make sense and reminds us that everyone needs a place to call home. On at Rose Theatre, Kingston 6-22 Feb, book tickets here.
Harry Potter and The Cursed Child
Based on the books by J.K.Rowling, this is a one of a kind theatrical experience with spectacular spells, a mind-blowing race through time, and an epic battle to stop mysterious forces, all while the future hangs in the balance. Book tickets here.
Noel Streatfeild’s beloved novel is brought back to the Olivier Stage in this new version by Kendall Feaver. In a crumbling house full of dinosaur bones and fossils, three adopted sisters – Pauline, Petrova and Posy – are learning who they are and what they want to be. On until 14 Feb, tickets from £25, book here.
Adapted from the number 1 best-selling books by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, the whole family will have a poopy good time enjoying a brand new story for the stage. Featuring new songs by Tom and Dougie, a lot of laughs and a whole lot of poo! On UK tour, book here.
This musical adaptation of the award-winning children’s book by Lu Fraser and Kate Hindley, will delight audiences young and old with beautiful puppets, catchy tunes and an uplifting tale of self-acceptance for all the family. On UK tour this Spring, book tickets here.
Based on the book by bestselling author Maz Evans, this first adventure in the series is brought to life in a hilarious brand-new stage musical. Elliot needs to save the world – and save his mum. Enter some epic Greek Gods with a few tricks up their togas… At Polka Theatre from 7 Feb to 22 March, book here.
This beautiful story from best-selling author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Rebecca Cobb springs to life with rhyme, original music and delightfully expressive puppets in this fun and exciting stage adaption. 7 Feb–19 Apr at Little Angel Theatre, book here.
Planet Omar
This vibrant new stage adaptation based on the beloved books by Zanib Mian is brought to life and is coming to the Unicorn Theatre, London from 21 May – 7 June. Step into the fantastically imaginative and chaotic world of Planet Omar, following the adventures of an 8-year-old with a wild imagination, a big heart, and a knack for getting into trouble! Tickets from £10, book here.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a bold and uplifting new musical telling the true story of William Kamkwamba. Based on his memoir and Chiwetel Ejiofor’s film, this is a bold and uplifting new musical telling the true story of a boy who hopes to defy expectations to produce the gift of power and give hope for tomorrow. Opening Spring 2026 @sohoplace, London’s West End.
William wants to build a windmill. Nobody believes he can – not his father nor his friends. Hope feels out of reach where the land is thirsty but the rains don’t come. As drought closes in on his family’s farm and the village he loves, everyone prays for a miracle. All William has to hand are some library books and scraps of old machinery. The rest must come from within. Will he defy expectations? Will the wind turn the sails of his invention, produce the gift of power, and give hope for tomorrow?
For ages 6+, running 25 April – 18 July 2026, book tickets here.
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Thanks for reading and enjoy the shows!
From the LittleBird team xo
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