'Mrs Armitage on Wheels' musical coming to London's Southbank Centre in 2026
Wednesday 19th November 2025
Quentin Blake’s Mrs Armitage on Wheels, based on the adaptation of Quentin's story for the BBC series Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures, is set to become a new stage musical in London. The show will play at the Southbank Centre’s Purcell Room from 18 to 21 February 2026.
Mrs Armitage is a brilliant and eccentric inventor whose wild and wonderful creations are always remarkably useful. When she and her faithful dog Breakspear set off on a quiet bike ride to visit cousin Angela, she can’t stop thinking of ways to improve her bike. But after adding horns, snack trays, umbrellas, a dog bed, even a sail, will she ever get there?
Mrs Armitage is a brilliant and eccentric inventor whose wild and wonderful creations are always remarkably useful. When she and her faithful dog Breakspear set off on a quiet bike ride to visit cousin Angela, she can’t stop thinking of ways to improve her bike. But after adding horns, snack trays, umbrellas, a dog bed, even a sail, will she ever get there?
The world premiere is part of the Southbank’s Imagine season for children. Directed and adapted by Samantha Lane, artistic director of the Little Angel Theatre, the production. promises to feature clever puppetry and original live music. The show has been developed in association with Eagle Eye, and is perfect for families with children aged 3 and up.
The full creative team includes music and lyrics by Jessie Maryon Davies, set and costume design by Ryan Dawson Laight, puppetry design and direction by Maia Kirkman-Richards, and sound design by Ian Oakley.
Samantha Lane commented: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be adapting and directing Mrs Armitage on Wheels for the stage. It’s such a joyful, imaginative story – full of heart, humour, and the boundless possibilities of creativity. Mrs Armitage’s world is wonderfully eccentric yet deeply human, and I can’t wait to bring her spirit of inventiveness and togetherness to life in a production that celebrates her generosity, resilience, and sheer love of making marvellous things.”
Other upcoming highlights of Southbank Centre’s Imagine season 2026, running 11 - 21 February, include the London premiere of 'Mini Spin' featuring interactive dance for ages 5-11; 'Pop-up Parkour'; live book events; and a theatrical re-telling of the classic story 'The Princess and the Pea'. For more details about Imagine Festival events, and to book tickets, visit https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/events/imagine/
