In the world of fiction, tigers are often fun and full of adventure. Far from the solitary creatures they are in real life, they are happy to socialise and get into all sorts of trouble. In Judith Kerr’s The Tiger Who Came to Tea, the mysterious tiger who shows up turns the whole house upside down, eating all the food and drinking all the tea. Now adapted as a production at the theatre for preschoolers, the story is retold with songs, dancing and magic to engage young imaginations. 

But while the tiger in The Tiger Who Came to Tea takes a lead role, there are many other examples of tigers who play the sidekick. Here are some of our favourite famous tiger sidekicks.

Tigger in Winnie the Pooh

Tigger has been loved by children since he first appeared in the Winnie the Pooh stories in the 1920s. He is just like a small child himself with his excitable personality and endless energy. While he’s perhaps not a sidekick in the true sense of the word, he is central to the world of the Hundred Acre Wood and his escapades draw Pooh, Piglet and the others into adventures - whether they want to be there or not. His endless optimism and confidence are infectious and his desire to help (even though this often ends in misfortune) is endearing.

Hobbes in Calvin and Hobbes

Created by cartoonist Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes was an American comic strip that appeared in newspapers between 1985 and 1995. The comic follows six-year-old Calvin’s antics with his tiger friend and loyal sidekick, Hobbes. Hobbes is playful and kind, acting as a big brother figure to Calvin and joining in with his misdemeanours. He acts as the voice of wisdom to Calvin’s impulsiveness and appreciates the simple things in life, in contrast to Calvin’s wild fantasies. Together, the pair are so endearing that the books have sold some 50 million copies and remain relevant and relatable today. 

Master Tigress in Kung Fu Panda

A member of the Furious Five in the Kung Fu Panda movies, Master Tigress is a loyal sidekick and determined warrior. While fearless in battle and protective of the Jade Palace, she’s also warm and compassionate, particularly towards Po whom she tries to protect from Tai Lung by pretending to be the Dragon Warrior herself. Her strength and cunning make Tigress a great sidekick, while her complex and relatable character elicits empathy. 

The tiger in Gracie Grabbit and the Tiger

The tiger in Gracie Grabbit and the Tiger becomes an impromptu sidekick when he lets himself out of his cage at the zoo and helps Gracie to reprimand her dad, who has been stealing from people. While playing a relatively small part in the story, the tiger is instrumental in ensuring Bobby Grabbit changes his ways, and ends up becoming Bobby and Gracie’s special friend. 

Don’t miss The Tiger Who Came to Tea

If you’re looking for theatre tickets for children’s shows this summer, don’t miss The Tiger Who Came to Tea. Returning to the Theatre Royal Haymarket from 14 July - 7 September, it’s the perfect introduction to the theatre for young children. Get your tickets for this theatre family show today.