Much-loved children’s book, that encourages looking after the natural environment, brought to life on stage.

Following a successful six week run at Polka Theatre in Wimbledon earlier this year, Theatr Iolo are set to tour the magical stage production of Emily Gravett's inspiring and funny illustrated story, Tidy.

The co-production between Theatr Iolo and Polka Theatre brings to life the tale of Pete the badger who likes everything to be neat and tidy, but who accidently destroys his own home whilst cleaning up the forest where he lives.

Based on the children’s picture book by multi-award-winning author and illustrator, Emily Gravett, Tidy, is a gentle but cautionary tale about the value of the world around us and what happens if we don’t look after it. Published in 2016 by Two Hoots, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Books, Tidy is well-loved by families and teachers alike. For the first time, Tidy will also be performed alongside Taclus, a Welsh language version of the play inspired by Mari George’s translation of the book, published by Rily.

“After an amazing run at Polka Theatre earlier this year, I can’t wait bring Emily Gravett’s funny, silly, yet thoughtful story to life again in the spring. We’re particularly excited to be working with this outstanding cast to transform the show into a Welsh language production, which will run alongside the English performances. We hope Tidy and Taclus will inspire and delight young audiences across the length and breadth of Wales and beyond.”
Lee Lyford, Artistic Director of Theatr Iolo

With beautiful puppets, original music and a touch of silliness, this playful show will delight young audiences, as it explores how everyone needs a little bit of wild chaos in their lives. 

Directed by Theatr Iolo’s Artistic Director, Lee Lyford, Tidy and Taclus will open at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff in February 2025, before visiting venues in England and Wales.

The production will star Owen Alun as Pete the Badger (Pete y Mochyn Daear), Elin Phillips

as Rabbit (Cwningen) and Carwyn Jones as Fox (Cadno). All three actors will perform in both Tidy and Taclus.

Tidy was originally co-created by Lee Lyford, Lucy Rivers and Rachael Canning. The production will also bring on board Llinos Mai to adapt the original script into Welsh. The production will feature music composed by Lucy Rivers and set, costume and puppetry design by Rachael Canning. Completing the creative team, is Jane Lalljee as Lighting Designer and Yvonne Gilbert as Sound Designer.

Tidy and Taclus will be performed at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff, The Egg in Bath, Blackwood Miners’ Institute, The Riverfront in Newport, Memo Arts Centre in Barry, Galeri in Caernarfon, Garth Olwg Centre in Church Village, Maesteg Town Hall and Aberystwyth Arts Centre from 11 February until 15 March 2025.