Featuring masterful puppetry and an abundance of heart, The Zoo That Comes to You is a rare and remarkable theatrical experience that invites audiences, young and old, to step into the stories of some of the planet’s most endangered creatures. But be warned: this is no ordinary trip to the zoo.
I arrived expecting something fun and interactive, a light-hearted show with puppets and animal impressions. What I got was something far more profound: a seamless blend of delight, education and a stirring environmental message that knocked me sideways in the best possible way.
Created and performed by the talented duo Jasmine Orchard and Lucia d’Inverno of Bristol-based Scarlet Oak Theatre, this show is a triumph of creativity and compassion. Armed with a ukulele, a suitcase full of puppets, a swing, and a wealth of imagination, these two performers transformed a simple stage into a roaming zoo filled with unforgettable animal personalities.
We meet a cast of vividly realised creatures, each brought to life with humour, charisma and care. There’s the fabulously dramatic Blue Iguana, a diva with dazzling flair and a deep longing to be understood as an actress. A clever and chaotic Kea from the Alps, ever eager to show off his problem-solving skills. A bashful juvenile orangutan who instantly stole hearts with her expressive face and need for care. And the gentle yet exuberant Southern white rhino, bounding onto the stage with charm and infectious energy.
Each animal is more than a character, they are a voice
Each animal is more than a character, they are a voice. A story. And yet, none of it feels heavy-handed. The magic of this show is in its balance: the audience is charmed and entertained while slowly, almost imperceptibly, being educated. When the message lands, it resonates.
The puppetry is exquisite, evoking movement and emotion with astonishing simplicity. Children sit wide-eyed as creatures scurry, stumble and perform magic tricks. There are no cages here, just a celebration of wildlife in all its expressive glory.
Parents will appreciate the subtler notes woven through the show—reflections on habitat loss, human impact and the triumphs of conservation. And children, even if they don’t grasp every nuance, will leave with a sense of wonder and, perhaps, a question or two about the creatures they’ve just met.
One moment in particular left me weeping: a sea turtle, finally healed, spinning and gliding in a joyful dance back into the deep blue. It’s a scene that embodies the spirit of the show—not only a tale of loss, but one of hope, positivity and the power of action.
That’s the real message here: that caring is not passive. It’s transformative. “Because caring means change,” the duo remind us in their poignant closing. And by the time those final words are sung, you believe it.
The Zoo That Comes to You appeared at Lakeside Arts, Djanogly Theatre on Sunday 18th May 2025.
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