Shockheaded Peter

“Der Struwwelpeter” by Heinrich Hoffmann was written in 1844; it is one of the most successful and controversial German children’s books—and has taught generations of readers to shudder. The British cult band “The Tiger Lillies,” together with theater artists Julian Crouch and Phelim McDermott, have turned this infamous children’s book into a multi-award-winning “junk opera” (as they call it) for adults, reminiscent of the music of Tom Waits (Black Rider) and the films of Tim Burton.

With eerily beautiful ballads, rousing sounds that blend circus and rock music, and pitch-black humor, the production takes the stories of “Soupy Sam,” “Fidgety Phil,” “Hans-Guck-in-die-Luft,” and all these “naughty” children to anarchic extremes. – “Not for the faint of heart,” says the director of Shockland in his opening monologue, asking parents: “What kind of monsters lie hidden beneath our thoughts?”

Info

Martyn Jacques (music and lyrics), Andreas Marber (dialogue in German, songs in English)

Landestheater Detmold; Matthias Flake , musical director; Gustav Rueb, director; Christiane Hilmer , set design; Oktavia Herbst, set design ; Patrick Hellenbrand, Sebastian Zumpe, Stella Hanheide, Manuela Stüßer, Ewa Noack, Finn Nachfolger, Elias Nagel, and others, costumes; performed by members of the Symphonic Orchestra Band

6:45 p.m.: Introduction to the work; ages 14 and up; no intermission

After the performance: Post-show discussion with director Gustav Rueb. An introductory podcast about the play and a program booklet are available for download: 2026-11-26-PH-shockheaded_peter_final

A contribution to the Leverkusen Jazz Days.