If you’re looking for family fun things to do during February half term week and beyond, why not head to the theatre with your little ones? The Tiger Who Came to Tea is returning to tour the UK and Ireland in 2026, offering the perfect introduction to live performance for children. Designed for kids aged three and up, it has a run time of 55 minutes with no interval, making it ideal for shorter attention spans. A talented creative team is behind this fabulous family show. David Wood OBE - the UK’s leading Writer and Director of musicals and plays for children - is the production’s Director, and Mike Cotton is the Musical Director. In charge of auditioning cast members, arranging scores and ensuring the musical aspects go off without a hitch, he is integral to the success of every show. Let’s learn more about him.

An accomplished Musician and Musical Director

Hailing from the market town of Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire, Mike Cotton graduated from Birmingham Conservatoire having trained in Piano, Drums & Percussion. With a background in keyboard programming and training in Estill Voice Level 1 & 2, he now works as a freelance Musical Director, Arranger and Musical Educator, offering piano tuition and bespoke music production. 

Work in theatre

Mike has worked on a wide range of hit musicals, acting as Assistant Musical Director/Keys 1 for the UK tours of Ghost the Musical, Shrek and Book of Mormon. He was also the Assistant Musical Director for Hairspray at the London Coliseum. Most recently, he performed as part of the orchestra for Evita at the London Palladium. Mike’s credits as Musical Director include Tina – The Tina Turner Musical (Aldwych, London) and Shrek the Musical (Hammersmith Apollo). 

Work on The Tiger Who Came to Tea

The Tiger Who Came to Tea was adapted from Judith Kerr’s bestselling picture book, and brings her story to life with songs, dancing, magic and more. As Musical Director, Mike Cotton is not only responsible for selecting musical arrangements and compositions for the show, he also brings the musical aspects of the production to life, providing guidance to performers and musicians and creating a cohesive, engaging musical experience for the audience. His job includes things like working with Director David Wood OBE and Choreographer Emma Clayton to develop the musical elements of the show, attending auditions to select the best vocalists and musicians, teaching the production’s music to cast members and musicians, and even acting as conductor during performances. 

Experience Mike Cotton’s work

If you’re interested in how Mike’s hard work comes together - or you’re simply looking for things to do with kids - don’t miss The Tiger Who Came to Tea. Touring from February to July 2026, it’s sure to be playing at a theatre near you. Search ‘things to do with kids near me’ or view tour dates on our homepage to find your local performance and book tickets.