Dear Zoo

Due to overwhelming demand, Dear Zoo, live on stage! adapted from author Rod Campbell’s best-selling classic lift-the-flap book, Dear Zoo, which was brought to life in 2018 as a brilliant new stage production, is coming to the National Opera House, Wexford. As a book Dear Zoo, has delighted generations of young readers since it was first published in 1982 and has sold more than 13 million copies worldwide and is available in 31 languages. 

Celebrating 42 years in 2024, Dear Zoo, Rod Campbell’s much-loved story about a child who writes to the zoo asking them to send a pet, continues to delight new generations of children and parents as they lift the flaps in search of the perfect animal. A colourful animal cast, interactive storytelling and the emotional sentiment that lies behind welcoming a perfect new addition to the family, has made Dear Zoo a popular choice for parents to share with babies and very young children. A fierce lion, a naughty monkey, a big elephant, a grumpy camel, a tall giraffe, a scary snake, a jumpy frog and a perfect puppy are the precious cargo introduced in the book. Drawing on themes of shared experiences, belonging together, welcoming a new arrival, and finding the perfect family fit, the Dear Zoo® brand celebrates the powerful bond between parent and child – and continues to find its own home as a family favourite year after year.

Written by Rod Campbell, produced by NLP Ltd and directed by Brad Fitt. Dear Zoo live on stage! is suitable for children aged 1+. Brought to life through child-engaging puppets, original music and lots of audience interaction and participation, the show immediately appeals to families and children who already love the book and will serve as a wonderful introduction to those coming to the story for the first time.

Rod Campbell is the master of interactive storytelling and an expert in early learning for pre-schoolers. As a trusted household name, his books have stood the test of time and continue to be a staple addition to the family bookshelf and a popular choice for early years’ teachers. The creator of more than 200 books for children, Rod Campbell’s unique ability to be both fun and reassuring encourages children to discover and delight in the world around them.

Commenting on Dear Zoo live on stage! Rod Campbell said, “I can hardly believe that Dear Zoo has celebrated its 42nd anniversary and I really am enormously touched and delighted that successive generations of young children continue to love Dear Zoo - their obvious pleasure when interacting with it is so gratifying to see, and for me is the very greatest of compliments!” www.dearzoolive.com

For group bookings please contact our Box Office directly either by phone on 053 912 2144 or boxoffice@nationaloperahouse.ie 

“The whole production was full of energy and cleverly pitched at its audience…” Bury Free Times

“…fantastic props, a great storyline and some great audience interaction, it’s the ideal place to take your little ones …” www.readaraptor.co.uk

“The transition to stage has been made smoothly and beautifully, with every great element of the book translated into a superb theatrical production” ***** www.entertainmentviews.co.uk

“Good educational children’s fun” Rating 5/5 www.whatsgoodtodo.co.uk