A dazzling flight of imagination, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s, ‘The Little Prince’ has long enchanted readers with its poetic storytelling and profound themes. In this visually stunning and spellbinding adaptation at the London Coliseum, the tale is reimagined as an immersive blend of dance, aerial acrobatics, haunting audio, and digital projection. The result is a mesmerizing theatrical journey that captures the novella’s heart with elegance and innovation.
Following sold-out performances in Paris, Sydney, Dubai, and a season on Broadway, and under the expert direction and choreography of Anne Tournié, the production unfolds in a dreamlike style, relying on movement and imagery rather than traditional dialogue, but accompanied by beautiful storytelling narration. At the centre of this cosmic adventure is the Dylan Barone as the Little Prince, bringing an ethereal, but athletic grace to the principal role. His delicate yet expressive performance perfectly embodies the wonder and curiosity of the beloved little character. Guiding the audience through the narrative is Chris Mouron as the Narrator, delivering a captivating, highly expressive presence that bridges the poetic essence of Saint-Exupéry’s original text with the production’s fluid storytelling.
Visually, the show is a triumph. Stéphane Fritsch’s lighting design plays a crucial role in shaping the ethereal atmosphere, illuminating Marie Jumelin’s breathtaking video projections, which transport audiences across planets and galaxies. The seamless integration of light and movement creates a spectacle that is both intimate and expansive. Complementing this is Peggy Housset’s imaginative costume design, which, perfectly tailored and bold in design, enhances the otherworldly quality of the characters while staying true to the whimsical spirit of the original illustrations.
Performed in French with English surtitles, which can be a challenge at time when battling the need to read or watch, the production retains the lyrical beauty of Saint-Exupéry’s words while allowing its universal themes to resonate through movement and music. Terry Truck’s evocative score underscores the emotional depth of the performance, shifting effortlessly between delicate melodies and grand crescendos.
The London Coliseum, with its vast stage and immersive acoustics, serves as the perfect setting for this celestial odyssey. Every element, from the soaring aerial sequences to the smallest micro gestures, feels meticulously crafted to honour the timeless message: that “what is truly essential can only be seen with the heart”.
This is way more than just a theatrical adaptation, ‘The Little Prince’ is a poetic, visually striking experience that lingers in the mind long after the final bow. It invites audiences of all ages to rediscover the story’s magic and, like the Little Prince himself, to look beyond the surface in search of deeper truths. Highly recommended for all ages, ‘The Little Prince’ runs at the London Coliseum until 16th March 2025. Tickets here: www.londoncoliseum.org/whats-on
Reviewer: Alan Stuart Malin
Reviewed: 12th March 2025
North West End UK Rating: