Parents of mini comic book fans, this one is for you. The much loved book series by Dav Pilkey is bounding onto the stage in the European premiere of Dog Man: The Musical and it promises big laughs, catchy tunes and plenty of tail wagging fun for everyone aged 5 and over.
After sell out runs in the United States, this high energy show is heading across the UK, including a summer stop at the Southbank Centre from 29 July to 16 August. If your child has ever giggled over Dog Man’s adventures at bedtime, this could be their first truly unforgettable theatre trip.
What Is Dog Man: The Musical All About?
If you have a young reader in your house, chances are you already know Dog Man. With more than 70 million books in print worldwide and translations in 48 languages, the series is a global phenomenon. Five Dog Man titles are currently sitting in the Amazon UK top 50 children’s bestsellers, and earlier this year a DreamWorks animated film brought the crime fighting canine to the big screen.
Now he is leaping into live theatre…
The story follows best friends George and Harold, who decide to “level up” their comic creating skills by writing a musical about their favourite hero. That hero is Dog Man, the crime biting sensation who is part dog, part policeman and ALL hero.
Expect:
- Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings
- Petey the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself
- Plenty of slapstick silliness
- Songs that will have the whole family humming on the way home
It is funny, fast paced and full of heart, with a gentle message about kindness, friendship and doing your best even when things get tough.
Why Parents Will Love It Too:
Let’s be honest. A children’s show only truly works if the grown ups are entertained as well. Dog Man: The Musical has a top notch creative team behind it, including Emmy Award winner Kevin Del Aguila and composer Brad Alexander. The show enjoyed multiple Off Broadway seasons in New York, extending due to popular demand. That kind of success does not happen by accident. The humour works on two levels, with plenty of clever jokes for adults woven between the comic chaos. Think energetic choreography, bright costumes and a story that celebrates imagination in all its messy brilliance.
A Story With Heart
Many parents may not know that Dav Pilkey was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia as a child. He often had to sit outside the classroom because he was so disruptive. Instead of giving up, he channelled his creativity into drawing and storytelling. Those hallway doodles eventually became Dog Man and Captain Underpants. It is a powerful message for young children who might struggle to sit still or feel different. Creativity counts. Big imaginations matter. And sometimes the things that make you stand out are the very things that make you shine.
UK Tour Dates
The show will visit theatres across the country, including:
- Leicester Curve
- Crewe Lyceum
- London Southbank Centre
- Southend Palace
- Hertford Beam
- Wolverhampton Grand
- Eastbourne Devonshire Park
- Darlington Hippodrome
- Torquay Princess Theatre
- Halifax Victoria
- Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre
- Fareham Live
- Wycombe Swan
With more dates for 2027 still to come.
Is It Right for Your Child?
Dog Man: The Musical is recommended for children aged 5 and over. If your little one loves:
- Silly humour
- Comic books
- Heroes and villains
- Stories about friendship
- Bopping along to songs
Then this could be their dream day out. It is also a brilliant way to introduce young children to live theatre in a relaxed, joyful way. The energy is high, the jokes come thick and fast, and the story is easy to follow even for early readers.
Ready to Book?
Tickets are on sale now at www.Dogman.live. Summer holidays sorted? If you do go, prepare for at least a week of your child running around the house shouting “ALL HERO!” while wearing something vaguely cape shaped. You have been warned.
And honestly, we would not have it any other way. 🐾