Search

Saved articles

You have not yet added any article to your bookmarks!

Browse articles

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

The Tale of the Loneliest Whale

 
Hannah Mackenzie Review by Hannah Mackenzie 5 Published: 6 Aug 2025 Underbelly, Bristo Square Show Dates: 31 Jul 2025-10 Aug 2025

The Tale of the Loneliest Whale is a magical dive beneath the sea, as one whale searches for someone who will complement his song. The audience is taken from the surface of the sea to the deep and back again, all by Gemma Curry, who – along with a few willing audience members – tells the story using a number of very impressive puppets.

A fantastic piece of children’s theatre

Curry’s capable puppetry is commendable, with a great deal of life and personality injected into each character. She herself is very engaging, keeping the audience’s focus on her and guiding them through the narrative she weaves. She has a strong and clear voice – important in a production that centres on a character’s inner song – and no small amount of charisma.

The production is both fun and enchanting – there were moments when the children in the audience got up to dance to the turtle’s music, and gasps of wonder when the jellyfish bloom began. The jellyfish, in particular, were a standout moment according to the children I interviewed afterwards, as Curry skilfully conducted the audience as a melodious choir of singing jellyfish. The sound design overall was very effective – neither too loud nor too quiet, and always on cue – creating just the right atmosphere to enhance the storytelling taking place.

The narrative is both simple and sweet, providing an important lesson: no matter who you are, or how different you seem, there will always be someone out there who will accept you as you are. I couldn’t help but interpret the show as a nod to neurodivergence, with the main character feeling alone and out of place, unable to be proud of his difference – the other whales seeing him as too strange to befriend. This adds an additional layer to the narrative, whether intentional or not, and only increases its importance as a story that encourages self-acceptance and finding those who will understand you. It is charming and impactful – one mother commented to me afterwards that she was “welling up” as the story drew to a close.

The Tale of the Loneliest Whale is a fantastic piece of children’s theatre. Many of the children present recommended I assign it five stars – and I have done so, as I believe it deserves recognition for the effort put in and the captivating results those efforts have produced. I strongly recommend this show – whether you are a child, have children, or simply need a reminder that there will always be someone out there ready and able to harmonise with you.

Related to this article:

Location:

Performances

The Blurb:

'I can hear someone out there. They're singing to me.' Whale sings into the deep blue sea... but no one sings back. Just as he's about to give up, a mysterious voice calls through the waves! Determined to find the singer, Whale sets off on a thrilling adventure – diving through glowing coral caves, dodging wibbly jellyfish and facing wild-eyed sea monsters! Join Hoglets Theatre for a deep-sea adventure packed with beautiful puppets, hilarious creatures, original songs and audience interaction! A heartwarming show about friendship, difference and the beauty of being yourself. www.hoglets.org.uk