The success of Freckle Productions’ touring adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best-selling picture book Zog, which in 2010 won Children’s Book of the Year at the British Book Awards, is largely down to three factors: the simplicity of its story and staging; its upbeat and warm-hearted tone; and above all, Joe Stilgoe’s succinct and finely crafted songs, each one of which like Lois Glenister’s ambitious princess is a Pearl.

Despite being the biggest and keenest pupil at Madam D’s School for Dragons, Billy Mahoney’s hapless Zog is orange in colour but blue of mood on account of the fact he is unable to obtain a coveted gold star. “I can’t do it,” he bemoans in song, as year after year his fellow pupils are rewarded for flying, roaring and fire-breathing.

But through patience and practice, support and encouragement – the building blocks for success not only at Dragon School but in the School of Hard Knocks called life – Zog flaps his wings and learns how to fly by rescuing a princess (who would rather wear a stethoscope than a tiara) from a knight (who would rather cut some moves on the dance floor than limbs in a field of battle).

On first viewing, Katie Sykes’s climbing frame set underwhelms; its geometric pastel poles look like they’ve been erected by a gang of scaffolders after a morning cup of chamomile tea. But it’s simplicity – which extends to Emma Kilbey’s direction, Katie Beard’s choreography and Edie Edmundson’s puppetry – is key to the show’s success because it avoids the brash pitfalls of Broadway-ification and allows a gentle spotlight to draw focus on the story and the songs which not only challenge gender stereotypes but encourage children (of all ages) to reach for the stars.

Swinging heavily towards tots than teens on the kid-o-meter, and perhaps more suited to mid-scale venues than the expansive King’s (the show returns to Scotland at the end of March for a two-day run at Dundee Rep), Zog and its five-strong cast are a delight. And like the book, will no doubt enjoy a roaring success!

Peter Callaghan
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