Theatr Iolo – Wales’ leading children’s theatre company – are preparing to tour Welsh and English language performances of their magical stage co-production of Emily Gravett’s illustrated children’s book, Tidy.
Tidy (Taclus in Welsh) is a co-production with Polka Theatre, and will tour to three venues across Wales, plus performances in Oxford and Nottingham, from 11 February to 1 March 2026.
The show, aimed at children aged three to seven, uses puppetry and original songs to bring to life the tale of Pete the badger who likes everything to be neat and tidy, but who accidentally destroys his own home whilst cleaning up the forest where he lives.
Tidy | Taclus is based on the children’s picture book by multi-award-winning author and illustrator, Emily Gravett, Tidy. The book was originally published in 2016 by Two Hoots, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Books. The Welsh language version of the show is inspired by Mari George’s translation of the book, published by Rily.
The English version of the show was first performed at Polka Theatre in Wimbledon, London in Spring 2024 and first toured to venues in Wales and England in both languages in Spring 2025.
https://www.theatriolo.com/tidy-taclus-2026
Lee Lyford, Artistic Director of Theatr Iolo, said: “I can’t wait to take Emily Gravett’s funny, silly, yet thoughtful story on tour again; a wondrous but cautionary tale about the value of the world around us and what happens if we don’t look after it.”
The production is directed by Lee Lyford and will star Owen Alun as Pete the Badger (Morgan y Mochyn Daear), Elin Phillips as Rabbit (Cwningen) and Carwyn Jones as Fox (Cadno).
Tidy was originally co-created by Lee Lyford, Lucy Rivers and Rachael Canning. The original script was adapted into Welsh by Llinos Mai.
Tidy | Taclus is based on the award-winning picture book by Emily Gravett.
TIDY © Emily Gravett 2016 – Two Hoots, Macmillan Children’s Books
Welsh adaptation, TACLUS © Rily Publications Ltd
Age guidance: 3-7
Running time: 50min
Theatr Iolo strives to enrich the lives of children through memorable experiences that challenge the mind and stir the imagination.
Theatr Iolo has been at the forefront of creating theatre for children in Wales for nearly forty years. We are passionate about nurturing and igniting the imagination and creativity of young minds, to help children make sense of the world around them and to find their place within it.
We work with the best artists, writers and creatives, to create memorable and bold live theatre, workshops and activities in both English and Welsh. Our work for babies, children, and teenagers is toured across Wales, the UK and internationally.
Sherman Theatre, Cardiff
Tidy Wed 11 Feb, 10.30am (BSL) & 1pm
Taclus Thurs 12 Feb, 10.30am & 1pm
Tidy Fri 13 Feb, 10.30am & 1pm
Tidy Sat 14 Feb, 1am (AD)
Taclus Sat 14 Feb, 2pm
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