Is Dermot O’Leary’s ‘Toto the Ninja Cat’ about to become the purr-fect family musical adventure?

Beloved TV and radio presenter Dermot O’Leary is set to make waves in the theatre world as his popular children’s book Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape transforms into a live-action family musical, scheduled to premiere in 2026. The heartwarming story, inspired by O’Leary’s own pets, will leap from the pages to the stage, complete with original music, dynamic puppetry, and a cast of quirky animal characters.

The adaptation, jointly produced by Little Angel Theatre, Mercury Theatre Colchester, and Mayflower Southampton, will kick off its run at Mercury Theatre in Colchester—O’Leary’s hometown—on April 2, 2026. The show will then move to London’s Little Angel Theatre from May 16 to July 19, before arriving at Mayflower Studios in Southampton from July 23 to 26. The production will later tour across the UK, including stops in Bristol, Birmingham, Weymouth, Guildford, and Edinburgh.

Samantha Lane, the artistic director of Little Angel Theatre, and musician Barb Jungr are co-adapting the story for stage. The duo previously collaborated on The Smartest Giant in Town, which earned an Olivier Award nomination for Best Family Show in 2023. Known for their imaginative storytelling, the pair promises that Toto’s journey will blend humor, adventure, and heart, appealing to audiences of all ages.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to bring Toto’s world of courage and friendship to life,” Lane and Jungr said. “With inventive puppetry, catchy songs, and a stellar creative team, this production will whisk families into a world where anything is possible.”

Illustrated by Nick East, Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape tells the story of a visually impaired cat named Toto who, despite being almost completely blind, possesses extraordinary ninja reflexes. Alongside her mischievous brother, Silver, she embarks on a daring mission to stop a venomous King Cobra that has escaped from London Zoo and is slithering through the streets of the capital.

O’Leary, who presents ITV’s This Morning and hosts BBC Radio 2’s Saturday morning show, expressed excitement about the adaptation. “I’m over the moon to see my book brought to life through puppetry,” he said. “Toto is currently asleep, blissfully unaware of all this attention, but I’m sure she’ll be thrilled to see her adventures play out on stage.”

Artistic and technical elements of the production promise to elevate the story’s magic. Set and puppet designs will be handled by award-winning designer Oliver Hymans, whose work has been recognized for innovation in puppetry. Lighting will be crafted by Sherry Coenen, known for creating vivid, immersive atmospheres in theatre spaces.

Illustrator Nick East also shared his excitement: “Working with Dermot on the Toto series has been such a joy, and seeing our fearless feline reimagined through puppetry is simply the cat’s whiskers!”

The Toto the Ninja Cat series has captured the imagination of young readers across the UK since its release under Hachette Children’s Group. The stage adaptation aims to build on that success, combining storytelling, artistry, and music in a way that celebrates bravery, teamwork, and the beauty of difference.

For O’Leary, this marks another creative milestone—proving that even a ninja cat can find new life under the spotlight.

FAQ Section

1. What is the release date for the ‘Toto the Ninja Cat’ musical?
The musical premieres on April 2, 2026, at Mercury Theatre Colchester before touring across the UK.

2. Who is behind the stage adaptation?
The musical is adapted by Samantha Lane and Barb Jungr, both acclaimed for their previous family theatre productions.

3. What is the story of Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape about?
It follows Toto, a nearly blind cat with exceptional ninja abilities, as she tries to stop a King Cobra that has escaped from London Zoo.

4. Where will the show tour?
After its debut in Colchester, the musical will tour London, Southampton, Bristol, Birmingham, Weymouth, Guildford, and more.

5. Has Dermot O’Leary written other children’s books?
Yes. In addition to Toto the Ninja Cat, O’Leary has authored Spy Fox and Agent Feathers and Wings of Glory.