Culture & ArtVerified listing: Adticket
Shockheaded Peter: A Darkly Comic Musical
Forum Großer SaalThu, Nov 26, 2026 · 08:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Overview
Overview
Shockheaded Peter is scheduled for Thursday, November 26, 2026 at Forum Großer Saal. Check the official source before you go, as event times and venue details can change.
Read full details
Shockheaded Peter is a 1998 musical that adapts the classic German children's book *Struwwelpeter* (1845) by Heinrich Hoffmann. Created by a collective including Julian Bleach, Anthony Cairns, Julian Crouch, and The Tiger Lillies, the production blends pantomime, puppetry, and musical versions of the original cautionary poems—but with a notably darker twist. While the children in the book only sometimes meet grim ends, in this show, they all do.
The show debuted at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds before moving to the Lyric Hammersmith in London and embarking on world tours. The Tiger Lillies originally performed as the onstage band, later replaced by David Thomas & Two Pale Boys. With its macabre humor and striking visual style, Shockheaded Peter has been staged internationally, from the New Victory Theater in New York to the Burgtheater in Vienna.
⏱️ 2 hrs🎟️ Tickets from €27
Starting price is indicative — check the official source for current tickets.
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Good to know
- The show combines pantomime and puppetry with musical versions of the poems.
- The songs generally follow the text but with a somewhat darker tone.
- Whereas the children in the poems only sometimes die, in the musical they all do.
Frequently asked questions
What is the basis of Shockheaded Peter?
It is based on the popular German children's book Struwwelpeter (1845) by Heinrich Hoffmann.
Who created the musical?
It was created by Julian Bleach, Anthony Cairns, Julian Crouch, Graeme Gilmour, Tamzin Griffin, Jo Pocock, Phelim McDermott, Michael Morris and The Tiger Lillies.
Who performed as the onstage band originally?
The Tiger Lillies performed as the onstage band for the majority of the original runs.
Venue & Map
Forum Großer Saal
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Forum Großer Saal, Leverkusen
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