Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape
16 Jul–19 Jul 2026
For everyone over 5
Duration: 55 minutes approx.
Meet Toto. She might look like an ordinary cat, but she’s no ordinary feline. Almost completely blind, Toto has incredible ninja skills, a big heart, and a nose for adventure. By day, she naps like any other pet… but by night, she’s out on daring missions with her cheeky brother, Silver.
In their very first adventure, a deadly King Cobra has escaped onto the streets of London, and it’s up to Toto to use every ounce of her courage and cunning to save the day.
Based on Dermot O’Leary’s best-selling children’s book, illustrated by Nick East, this purr-fectly thrilling tale is filled with original music, laugh-out-loud fun, and extraordinary puppetry, promising fun for the whole family.
Hear the songs on our Tour Website!
Please note: this production contains two brief moments of flashing lights. See the visual story for more info.
Age guidance
Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape is for everyone over 5. Our shows for this age group have storylines that can be followed by children from around age 5. They work for a wide age range and there will be elements to engage the older children, and adults, in the audience, for example music, puppetry techniques, more complex ideas, language or humour. Children under the recommended age can often enjoy the visuals but may not follow everything, and may not stay engaged. If the show contains any parts likely to be scary or upsetting for anyone, these will be mentioned in the FAQ below.
This show has standard seating for our studios. There are rows with chairs and soft blocks facing the stage, and mats on the floor at the front. There will be up to 65 people watching the show (sometimes more if you come when there are school groups).
This isn’t an interactive show and isn’t expected to have parts where the audience are asked to contribute. The audience stay in their seats while watching, but you can leave and re-enter the auditorium at any time.
The story takes place at night and centres around the hunt for a giant snake who the smaller animals fear will eat them. There are some very large snake puppets, but these are friendly characters (see visual story for images of the snakes). Toto has to take on various creatures, including hungry tigers and an army of rats, but the audience already know Toto is a ninja and can defend herself and her friends. There is fighting but not even the ‘baddies’ are badly hurt and the tone is of adventure and comedy.
The show is based on the book Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape by Dermot O’Leary.
A visual story for the show is available here.
School Bookings
For KS1, KS2 / For everyone over 5 – see above for more detailed age guidance
Curriculum links
Animal Adventures, Mystery Stories, Journey Stories, London landmarks.
The Education Pack for Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape is available to view here.
The Visual Story for Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape is available to view here.
Tickets for school groups are £7 for each adult and each child, or £8.50 for fee-paying schools and nurseries. These rates are only available on weekdays before 3pm during Islington term time. Free adult tickets are available for children who need 1:1 support.
Before requesting a booking, please check dates, times and availability here. Maximum school capacity for this show is 85 people per performance.
Please fill in our school booking enquiry form here.
Download our information for undertaking a risk assessment for school visits here.
Accessible Performances
BSL Interpreted Performance: Saturday 4th July, 2pm
Click here to book for this BSL performance.
These performances are provided for those who use British Sign Language. The interpreter will be at the front of the stage and lit with a spotlight. They will provide a linguistic and artistic interpretation of the show for people who are D/deaf or for whom BSL is their preferred language.
Relaxed Performance: Saturday 27th June, 4pm
For more information and to book, please visit the Toto the Ninja Cat Relaxed Performance page here
Relaxed Performances are provided for people who would benefit from a more relaxed environment, or are uncomfortable with sudden lighting changes or loud noises, including those with an Autistic Spectrum Condition, sensory or communication needs or a learning disability.
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Credits
Performed by Charlotte Bloomsbury, Richard Lounds and Vinnie Monachello
Co-adaptors: Barb Jungr and Samantha Lane
Director: Samantha Lane
Music and Lyrics: Barb Jungr
Set, Costume and Puppet Design: Oliver Hymans
Lighting Design: Sherry Coenen
Stage Manager: Alex Hobbs
Puppet Co-Design: Naomi Oppenheim
Puppet Design Assistant: Jess Shead
Puppet Costume Maker: Valeriya Voronkina
Work Experience Puppet Makers: Olivia Tyler, Katherine Byrne and Lara Rees
Props Assistant: Kira Turnpenny
Based on the book by Dermot O’Leary and illustrated by Nick East.
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Dates and Times
All tickets £8.50 at 4.45pm on Thursday
All tickets £10 at 4.45pm on Friday