World Premiere stage adaptation of Quentin Blake's MRS ARMITAGE ON WHEELS announced

Emmie Newitt 18 November, 2025, 10:11

Directed and adapted by Samantha Lane, artistic director of the award-winning Little Angel Theatre, the new musical will perform as part of Southbank Centre's children's arts festival, 'Imagine' early next year.

mrs armitage on wheels on southbank centre Artwork for Mrs Armitage on Wheels.

Adapted from the award-winning BBC animated series, Quentin Blake's Box of Treasures will feature a treasure trove of clever puppetry and original live music for young audiences. Mrs Armitage on Wheels is a story about a brilliant and eccentric inventor whose wild and wonderful creations are always remarkably useful. When she and her faithful dog Breakspear, set off on a quiet bike ride to visit cousin Angela, she can't stop creating ways of improving her bike. But when she adds horns, snack trays, umbrellas and more - will she ever get there?

Audiences can expect what Samantha Lane describes as "a joyful, imaginative story - full of heart, humour, and the boundless possibilities of creativity".

The cast for the production is to be announced.

The full creative team includes Music and Lyrics Jessie Maryon Davies, Set and Costume Designer Ryan Dawson Laight (La Cage aux Folles, Regent's Park Open Air Theatre), Puppetry Design and Designer Maia Kirkman-Richards (The Artist, Theatre Royal Plymouth), and Sound Designer Ian Oakley (The Big Life, Theatre Royal Stratford East).

Mrs Armitage on Wheels plays at the Southbank Centre from 18-21 February 2026.