REVIEW: THE LITTLE PRINCE @ THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH

🎭 The Little Prince

📍  The Drum, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Royal Parade, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 2TR

🗓 Thursday 19th February 2026

⭐️ 5 Stars

ENCHANTING AND JOYFUL

This gem of a show is a treasure trove of whimsy as delight after delight unfolds in front of our eyes. 

Written and performed by the talented and engaging Toby Thompson, it is a gentle invitation to explore a universe using our imagination through the eyes of a child. Our journey follows a pilot through the skies to the Sahara and a six year old, rather lonely Prince, all skilfully related through beautiful expressive language. One of the things I most appreciate about this production is the fact it allows the children in the audience the courtesy of understanding the narrative.  

Whilst based on the original story by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, this is a kinder more mindful version. We are invited throughout to pause momentarily to breathe and participate in a shared experience.  

Alongside an interesting set, complete with a form of orrery to illustrate our journey, lit by evocative lighting, there is much humour to be enjoyed. The intense frustration of a young child trying to communicate important news with adults who aren’t listening. A conversation with a vain flower.  Childlike questioning of adult pomposity. Facts about the universe are disseminated by demonstrations that combined with a glance from Toby causes giggles from us. Many of these are reinforced by animated graphics which appear then fade away. Thompson is a gifted performer; I know of few people who can introduce a second person to the story and have the audience happily accept the first is now represented by a scarf, just magical. 

As we travel with the Little Prince through the myriads of stars, we learn a little more about each planet and a good deal more about ourselves in a calm, restful way. I am surrounded by an entranced audience, adults and children alike. Small children with mouths slightly open in wonder and adults smiling. As the Little Prince says, “saying nothing, feeling lots.” 

I leave this show feeling happier and I would recommend an hour spent in the company of a Little Prince and a Pilot to anyone. You will discover friends in unlikely places and reconnect with the child in you, engage the imagination as you once could without preconception – or numbers. This is a show for everyone; your children will love it! Most importantly remember to write the secret down so you don’t forget. 

Rosie Sharman-Ward

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one person.

My ticket for this performance of The Little Prince was gifted by Theatre Royal Plymouth who invited me to watch the show on behalf of Pink Prince Theatre in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.

WRITTEN & PERFORMED BY:

Toby Thompson

RUNNING TIME (approx):

1 hour, with no interval

AGE GUIDELINE:

7 +

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