What the Ladybird Heard

Akinwalere Olaleye
Oct 06, 2021 By Akinwalere Olaleye
Originally Published on Oct 06, 2021
What the Ladybird Heard is showing at the Palace Theatre.

  • The glittering stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks' colourful farmyard adventure is making its way to the Palace Theatre.
  • When Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len conspire to steal the farmer's fine prize cow, the littlest creature on the farm tries to stop them.
  • Follow the story of the little ladybird who learns that anyone can be a hero, even if they're the tiniest, quietest creature around.
  • Expect live music, puppetry, plenty of audience participation and lots of laughs.


This stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson, best-selling author of The Gruffalo and Stick Man, and hugely successful illustrator Lydia Monks' delightful What the Ladybird Heard is the perfect family show. With the woolly sheep, the hairy hog, the fat red hen and the dainty dog, there's a whole farmyard of fun to get to know.

Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len have a cunning plan to steal the farmer's fine prize cow. However, little do they know, they reckon without the tiniest, quietest creature on the whole farm, the ladybird. Luckily, she has a plan of her own.

Take part in this glittering stage adaptation too, with plenty of audience participation and lots of marvellous musical moments. Join the woolly sheep and all the other animals as they try to thwart the robbers' cunning plan to steal the cow.

Two crafty robbers, one tiny ladybird, and a whole farmyard of fun; grab your What the Ladybird Heard tickets today.

What to know before you go

  • This production of What the Ladybird Heard is family-friendly, and suitable for kids aged 3+.
  • What the Ladybird Heard is 55 minutes long.
  • You will be emailed pre-show procedures 48 hours before your performance, including information on test and trace.
  • You must use an e-ticket to be admitted. No physical tickets will be accepted.
  • Wheelchair users can access the theatre through a side exit door on Shaftesbury Avenue. Contact a member of staff at the front entrance or Box Office for access.
  • There is a 3cm step to the Stalls. All aisle seats in the Stalls are suitable for anyone wishing to transfer from their wheelchair.
  • An accessible toilet is available at the rear of the Stalls and there are more toilets on all levels.
  • Theatre bars can be found on all levels. Bear in mind there is no wheelchair access to the bars. Please contact a member of staff for assistance buying refreshments.
  • Guide dogs are welcome, and aisle seats are recommended. You can also book the dog sitting service.
  • Guests with limited mobility can enter the Stalls from the foyer, as the standard entrance has 20 stairs. There are more stairs to the Dress Circle, Upper Circle and Balcony.
  • A Williams Sound hearing assistance system is available.
  • There are plenty of great restaurants in Soho covering a range of cuisines and dietary requirements, including chains like Nando's and Patty & Bun, and The Coach and Horses, London's first vegetarian and vegan pub.

Getting there

  • What the Ladybird Heard London takes place at the Palace Theatre; 113 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 5AY.
  • Leicester Square Tube station (Northern and Piccadilly lines) is a three-minute walk from the theatre and Tottenham Court Road Tube station (Central and Northern lines) is a four-minute walk.
  • Charing Cross station (Bakerloo and Northern lines and National Rail services) is a 12-minute walk away.
  • Lots of bus routes serve the area, including numbers 14, 19, 24, 29, 38, 55, 73, 98, 176 and 390.
  • If you choose to drive, you'll find Q-Park Chinatown a three-minute walk away and Q-Park Covent Garden a seven-minute walk away.
  • Both car parks are part of the Q-Park’s Theatreland Parking Scheme, which can save you 50% on parking after 12pm for up to four hours. Validate your Q-Park car park ticket at the theatre box office and the car park machine will automatically take 50% off when you exit.
  • There are some parking meters at Soho Square but these spaces fill up quickly. The NCP on Brewer Street is a six-minute walk away.

Greater London Central London London Soho

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Written by Akinwalere Olaleye

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Akinwalere Olaleye picture

Akinwalere OlaleyeBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

As a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and energetic individual, Olaleye's expertise lies in administrative and management operations. With extensive knowledge as an Editor and Communications Analyst, Olaleye excels in editing, writing, and media relations. Her commitment to upholding professional ethics and driving organizational growth sets her apart. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature from the University of Benin, Edo State. 

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