A funny, touching tale about how a pesky street rat finds 'home sweet home'. Longing to become someone’s pet, rat considers his friend’s homes, but none are quite the right fit. All he really wants is a kindly owner, a name, and no baths... He’s even willing to wear a jumper – at a push! 

‘Sometimes when I am tucked into my crisp packet, I look up at all the cosy windows and wonder what it would be like to live with creature comforts. To belong to somebody. To be an actual pet.’ 

Based on the award-winning picture book written and illustrated by former Children's Laureate, Lauren Child, this much-loved story has been reimagined for the stage and will be performed in our new theatre space, The Nest, prior to a tour of local schools and libraries. 

About the book 

That Pesky Rat gently explores themes of homelessness and belonging and encourages young children to empathise with others. Editions of this book, published by Hachette Children’s Books, have supported the work of the homeless charity St Mungo’s for over 20 years and highlighted the plight of street children worldwide through Lauren Child's work as a UNESCO Artist for Peace. 

While you're here 

Enjoy our Families area next to the welcoming Café on the Park (in the Festival Theatre) where children can discover toys, colouring-in, chalkboards, fancy dress and books in our nooks. It's open Monday to Saturday from 9am. 

Future life 

We're delighted that this show will go on a tour of West Sussex County Council libraries, community centres, SEN and primary schools. 

You can catch it at your local library from 12 - 26 September:  (more dates TBC) 

Durrington - 12 Sep, 10.30am

Worthing - 12 Sep, 2.30pm

Horsham - 19 Sep, 10.30am 

Storrington - 19 Sep, 2.30pm 

Crawley - 24 Sep, 10.30am 

Broadfield - 24 Sep, 2.30pm 

Midhurst - 25 Sep, 10.15am 

Rustington - 26 Sep, 10.30am 

Littlehampton - 26 Sep, 2.30pm