It's Snoopy! And this time, he sings! In fact, the whole of Charles Schulz's Peanuts gang hoof it up and belt out quite effective musical numbers as penned by Larry Grossman and Hal Hackady more than 25 years ago.
Snoopy The Musical has a distinguished pedigree, premiering in 1977 and enjoying respectable runs in New York and London. There's no reason this production shouldn't do the same; the cast are energetic and talented enough to play children without inducing widespread nausea in the audience.
While all the performances are strong, a special mention should go to Stephen Carlile as Snoopy, who particularly stands out thanks to The Big Bow Wow, a solo song-anddance number he executes on a stage the size of a dog blanket.
The sketch-based nature of the show gives Peanuts enthusiasts a chance to see all their favourite moments: Linus waiting for the Great Pumpkin, Lucy dispensing advice, Snoopy as the Easter Beagle. The musical has obvious appeal to kids, but there are things for adults too: psychiatrists will rip you off, bignosed girls are often unlucky in love and, as Sally says: 'The squeaky wheel gets the oil.'
Until Sat, Jermyn Street Theatre, 16b Jermyn Street SW1, Tue to Sat 7.30pm, Sat mat 3pm, £12, £10 concs. Tel: 020 7287 2875. Tube: Piccadilly Circus/Green Park
