In addition to her renowned performance career, Barb Jungr has increasingly found success as a lyricist and composer for musical theatre. Jungr brings all her signature warmth and intelligence to these collaborations created primarily for children and families. Her work for the stage has been seen across the UK and has been widely acclaimed by critics and audiences alike.
Below are some of the highlights.
Based on the original book A Squash and a Squeeze
written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler
Step into the magical world of A Squash and a Squeeze live on stage!
Once upon a time, a little old lady lived all by herself in her cosy cottage, but she wasn't happy – her house felt just too small. Whatever could she do? Will the wise old man's solution of bringing in a flappy, scratchy, greedy, noisy crowd of farmyard animals work?
Join us for this heartwarming and hilarious adventure, full of beautiful puppets and enchanting songs. Written and illustrated by the unparalleled picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, and adapted for the stage by Olivier-nominated duo Barb Jungr and Samantha Lane.
"Uproarious rendition of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s first picture-book success, directed by Samantha Lane"
Charlie loves reading. Especially books about pirates. But his sister hates it – it’s boring! Can Charlie convince her that reading is fun? Perhaps if she read a book about a pirate, who is reading a book about Goldilocks, who is reading a book about a knight…
Come and delve into a range of books with Charlie Cook, brought to life with puppetry and enchanting songs, and perhaps you will be able to help his sister discover the wonderful world inside a book…
Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book will be embarking on a national tour in 2024. Find out more at www.charliecookonstage.com
“Jungr's lively music keeps the energy up and is skillfully delivered by the three-strong cast of Pierre Hanson-Johnson, Georgie Samuels and Freya Stephenson.” - WhatsOnStage
WhatsOnStage ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Stage ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A new song cycle celebrating the wonder of Soho and it’s characters by Barb Jungr and Mike Lindup with direction by Benji Sperring (first production directed by Peter Glanville).
“This tale of a formidable yet resilient part of central London is recognisable and relatable to those of us who know it, and an eye-opening revelation to those who don’t.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ London Theatre World
"Barb Jungr and Mike Lindup conjure that unique flavour in a song cycle that pulled memory after memory from my mind - the squalor and the glitz, the alienation and the camaraderie, the despair and the hope.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Broadway World
Jack v Giant is an exciting new musical, created by Peter Glanville and Barb Jungr, the team behind We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and How to Hide a Lion.
“Jack v Giant is a clever, dual-layered musical. One layer connects with children in terms they understand while the other offers adults capitalism and the unequal distribution of wealth in our society to think about, if they want to..”
Time & Leisure ⭐⭐⭐⭐
London Theatre 1 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Co-adapted by director Samantha Lane and Barb Jungr, featuring songs and music by Barb Jungr. Opened Little Angel Theatre Dec 2021.
“Barb Jungr and Samantha Lane have retained all the eccentricity and complexity of Torday’s book and have also woven in some delicate songs. The young audience swivel around as one, anxious not to miss a moment of their story.”
The Guardian ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A fiercely ambitious adaptation of Piers Torday’s bittersweet fantasy novel.”
Time Out ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Co-adapted by director Samantha Lane and Barb Jungr, featuring songs and music by Barb Jungr. Opened The Little Angel Theatre May 2021 touring UK with Fiery Light spring 2022. The show also played the Christmas 2022 season at The St. Martin's Theatre in London's West End and has been nominated for a 2023 Olivier Award.
“A joy” The Evening Standard
“A fun family show” The Guardian
Co-written by Barb Jungr and Samantha Lane with music and songs by Barb Jungr and filmed by StudioKix.
“It's a lovely story, and very contemporary story putting a strong female character as the lead... a lovely addition to the festive children’s song roster.” Number9reviews
Co-written by Barb Jungr and Samantha Lane with music and songs by Barb Jungr.
The Pixie and The Pudding premiered at Little Angel Theatre in December 2019.
"Barb Jungr and Samantha Lane’s new play about the vital significance of feeding your pixies Christmas pudding hints at the folkloric – Scandinavian – origins of this story, although Lane’s production is delivered with timeless urban cool that captivates and transports, rather than patronising the audience."
⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Stage
"The Pixie and the Pudding at the Little Angel Theatre is a charming and heartfelt production that will get your little ones in the festive spirit while leaving them with a message about caring for all living (and some non-living) creatures."
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Theatre Bubble
Created for London’s Little Angel Theatre and directed by Peter Glanville with music and songs by Barb Jungr and stage adaptation by Barb Jungr and Peter Glanville. Based on the hugely acclaimed book by Michael Rosen, the show opened May 2013 in London and toured extensively in the UK 2013 - 2016
“A must-see family show.” The Stage
“As always at this treasured London venue, the production values are superb... you couldn’t wish for a sweeter introduction to theatre.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Time Out
Based on the best-selling children’s book by Julia Donaldson, the Singing Mermaid was co-adapted by director Samantha Lane and Barb Jungr, featuring songs and music by Barb Jungr.
"Samantha Lane and Barb Jungr’s adaptation is nimble and involving, with Lane’s bijou production elegantly enhanced by Jungr’s lilting, cabaret-style songs. Jungr’s melodies and lyrics are pleasingly sophisticated, yet still accessible for the littlest audience members, who at the performance I saw danced with delight.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐The Times
Opening in autumn 2016 at Polka Children’s Theatre, How to Hide a Lion was later seen at The Little Angel Theatre and Oxford Playhouse. Produced by Polka Theatre and Oxford Playhouse. Directed by Peter Glanville, with songs and music Barb Jungr. The show toured nationally with Pigtail Productions in 2018.
"How To Hide a Lion is an absolute delight and I highly recommend that young people, and all those of you who are young at heart, should catch this show on its extensive national tour. “
⭐⭐⭐⭐ LondonTheatre.com
Based on the poem by best-selling children’s author Michael Rosen and co-adapted by director Peter Glanville and Barb Jungr with music and songs by Barb Jungr, Chocolate Cake opened at Polka Theatre in March 2018 and toured through spring and summer that year.
“Deliciously more-ish” ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Stage
Liver Birds Flying Home opened at The Royal Court Liverpool in 2018 with lyrics Barb Jungr, music by Mike Lindup of Level 42, and book by Barb Jungr, George Seaton and Linda McDermott. Produced by The Royal Court Liverpool and James Seabright Productions with George Seaton, directed by Benji Sperring, the show garnered excellent reviews
“Sensational! This could be the next Blood Brothers.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good News Liverpool
“The producers may well have a massive hit on their hands.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Musical Theatre Review
Barb worked in Corby as Artistic Director of the Deep Roots Tall Trees project from 2011 until 2018, on a community singing initiative she created with producer and cultural engineer Rosalind Stoddart and Kate Dyer at Corby Community Arts.
Details of all shows and news on the Deep Roots Tall Trees website.
The musical for children by Barb Jungr and directed by Peter Glanville, opened in May 2010 at The Little Theatre. Centring on the trials and tribulations of two caterpillar friends in the modern, changing world, with puppets by Sue Dacre and design by Ann Tilby, The Fabulous Flutterbys toured through spring 2011.
CRITICS CHOICE
"A creepy-crawly delight."⭐⭐⭐⭐ Time Out
"...this is surely one of the best-value tickets in town."
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Evening Standard
Songs by Barb Jungr and Russell Churney, book by Barb Jungr and Andy Goldberg, from original idea by Barb Jungr. In development in North East England, previous workshops and readings in New York and London. Was performed by The Billingham Players in June 2011. Recently submitted to theatres for production. Soundcloud of all the songs is here.
Cinderella (2005), (lyricist), Jack and the Beanstalk (2006), (composer and lyricist), and Beauty and The Beast (2007), (composer and lyricist). Director (all) - Cal McCrystal, Pantomimes (Newbury Corn Exchange)
The Jungle Book (lyricist) - Produced by Birmingham Stage Company on tour since 2005, toured again 2011/12. Lyrics Barb Jungr, music B B Cooper, directed by Neal Foster. More info.
Cinderella (2005), (lyricist), Jack and the Beanstalk (2006), (composer and lyricist), and Beauty and The Beast (2007), (composer and lyricist). Director (all) - Cal McCrystal, Pantomimes (Newbury Corn Exchange)
The Jungle Book (lyricist) - Produced by Birmingham Stage Company on tour since 2005, toured again 2011/12. Lyrics Barb Jungr, music B B Cooper, directed by Neal Foster. More info.
In Development
A SQUASH AND A SQUEEZE - A Little Angel Theatre production, opens Feb 2025.
HOARDERS - A New Musical collaboration with Alexis Gregory and Robert Chevara.
MABEL STARK. A LIFE IN SONG - Jonathan Cooper - Composer. Libretto by Barb Jungr.