REVIEW - The Enormous Turnip at Waterside Arts — A Joyful Family Theatre Day Out in Manchester

Mar 2
3 min read

Illustration of a massive turnip with "The Enormous Turnip" text. Two animated people and a cat try to pull it, set against an orange backdrop.

A Rainy Day, Hot Chocolate and One Very Big Turnip — Our Trip to The Enormous Turnip at Waterside Arts

On Friday 20th February, we headed to Waterside Arts to see the 2.30pm performance of The Enormous Turnip, and despite the absolutely torrential rain on the way there, it turned into one of those really special family days that you just want to bottle up and keep.

We got the tram to Sale, which was so easy — the tram stop is literally just across the road from the theatre, which makes such a difference when you’re travelling with children. Unfortunately, by the time we arrived, we were completely drenched thanks to the downpour, so the first thing I did was head straight to the café to warm up.

I got a hot chocolate, which honestly felt like the best decision ever in that moment, and my dad got a cup of tea. Sitting there together, warming up and watching everyone arrive actually felt like a really lovely, calm start to the afternoon.

And then something unexpected happened before the show had even started.

The Enormous Turnip at Waterside Arts -
Man in striped shirt and cap plays accordion indoors, smiling warmly. Background has art, books, and a sign reading "This Must Have."

A Lovely Start Before the Show

While we were sitting in the café, one of the characters — Raymond Chickweed — came out playing his accordion and chatting to families, asking if anyone knew where he could buy dog food. Alice absolutely loved this interaction, and I could see straight away how much more relaxed she felt.

I’ve noticed before that when performers speak to her before a show, it really helps her confidence. She feels included rather than overwhelmed, and it makes a huge difference once the performance starts. Sure enough, when we went into the auditorium afterwards, she was completely engaged.

Inside the theatre, Dottie Chickweed was also walking around talking to audience members, which continued that welcoming atmosphere and made everything feel friendly and relaxed.

The Enormous Turnip at Waterside Arts -
A person in patterned dress looks down with a surprised expression. Behind is a colorful stage set featuring a house and garden.

The Show

The Enormous Turnip tells the story of Mr and Mrs Chickweed, who live in a tiny shed surrounded by their prize-winning vegetables. They decide to plant one final seed before retirement… but of course, the turnip grows bigger and bigger until it becomes so enormous they can’t pull it up on their own — and they need everyone’s help to solve the problem.

The story is simple, but it’s told with so much warmth, humour and imagination that it keeps children completely captivated while still being entertaining for adults.

There are some really lovely puppets too — Scruffy the dog, Tiggs the cat, a mouse, a tiny caterpillar and even a singing cauliflower, which got big laughs from the audience.

The Enormous Turnip at Waterside Arts -
Stage set with a colorful silo, fake garden, clothesline, and banjo under blue lights. Audience heads visible at the bottom.

Watching Alice and Leo

The audience participation was brilliant. Children were encouraged to clap, shout out and join in, and at one point some children were invited on stage to help operate the puppets and try to pull the enormous turnip up.

Alice joined in with everything, which was so lovely to see because she doesn’t always feel confident doing that. When she feels safe and comfortable, though, she absolutely thrives — and this show created exactly that kind of environment.

Leo loved it too, especially the funny moments and the puppets, and it was really nice watching them both laugh together.

The Enormous Turnip at Waterside Arts -
Three actors on stage pull a rope. Child hugs a stuffed sheep. Background: colorful set with a hut and tree branches. Audience in silhouette.

After the Show — The Highlight

After the performance, the turnip caravan was outside the venue and the children were invited to meet the characters and have a go at using the puppets themselves.

For Alice, this was the absolute highlight of the day.

She loves puppets, and getting the chance to try them properly — with the performers — made her so happy. She declared it “the best day ever,” which honestly says everything. Seeing her confidence and excitement in that moment was really special.

Leo loved having a go too and was very proud of himself.

Moments like this are what turn a theatre trip into something much more than just watching a show — it becomes a memory.

The Enormous Turnip at Waterside Arts -
Girl in pink coat holds a large brown puppet in a busy outdoor setting. People in colorful clothes and backpacks in the background.

The Enormous Turnip at Waterside Arts -
Boy in black hood holds a white mouse puppet on a wet street. Kids in colorful raincoats are in the background. Mood is playful.

Final Thoughts

The Enormous Turnip at Waterside Arts is such a joyful, family-friendly theatre experience. It’s funny, interactive, creative and genuinely heartwarming, with a lovely message about teamwork and working together.

But more than anything, it was one of those days where everything just came together — even the rainy start — and we left feeling happy.

We all came away smiling.