ZOG to Return to Cadogan Hall With Royal Afternoon Tea Package

Freckle Productions will embark on a partnership with The Rubens at the Palace, part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, to celebrate the return of Zog to Cadogan Hall in August 2026. Running from 2 – 23 August 2026, Zog arrives in London for the summer holidays, following a major UK and Ireland tour, marking the sixth year that Freckle Productions have presented a summer residency at the iconic venue.

Taking part in Kids Week 2026, the production will work with the Society of London Theatre's initiative that allows children to attend participating shows for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult.

As part of their Kids Week participation and to celebrate the show's return, families are invited to extend their theatre visit with 15% off a traditional Royal Afternoon Tea experience at the five-star Rubens at the Palace, winner of the 2026 Junior Travel Awards and situated in Victoria and just 15 minutes from Cadogan Hall. This offering is available throughout the full show run and will include a limited edition Zog-inspired macaroon.

Following successful collaborations in 2024 and 2025, this year's partnership invites audiences to experience one of London's most elegant afternoon teas. Overlooking the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace, The Rubens' Royal Afternoon Tea blends traditional British charm with a warm, family-friendly welcome.

Younger guests can enjoy the ‘Little Prince & Princess Afternoon Tea' menu, complete with a mini crown to wear at the table. Playful twists on British favourites include finger sandwiches filled with Nutella, jam, peanut butter, or cheese and ham, served alongside indulgent milkshakes, a royal cupcake, hot chocolate and throughout Kids Week, that signature ‘Zog' themed macaroon.

Perfect for pre- or post-show dining, the experience allows families to make a full day of their visit — combining world-class theatre with a memorable London treat.

Families staying at The Rubens will also enjoy a VIP check-in experience for younger guests, alongside a range of tailored activities including complimentary biscuit and cupcake decorating, milkshake masterclasses, and a family bug-hunting excursion.

Jennifer Sutherland from Freckle Productions said, “We're always looking for ways to make a trip to the theatre feel even more memorable for families, and we're thrilled to continue our partnership with The Rubens at the Palace this summer. Combining a visit to Zog with a beautiful afternoon tea offers audiences the chance to turn their theatre trip into a full London day-out experience during the school holidays.”

Malcolm Hendry, Managing Director at The Rubens at the Palace comments, “We are thrilled to be working with Freckle Productions on this exciting summer partnership. Afternoon tea is a much-loved tradition, and welcoming Zog audiences to enjoy our Royal Afternoon Tea throughout the season is a wonderful way to create memorable experiences for families visiting London. From playful details to thoughtful touches for younger guests, we take great pride in creating moments that feel both special and full of imagination, perfectly complementing a day at the theatre.”

‘I'M NOT BRAGGIN' BUT I'M A DRAGON'

Zog is the keenest dragon in Madam Dragon's school. He's also the most accident-prone, flying into trees, and even setting his own wing alight. Thankfully, a kind girl comes along to patch up his scratches and scrapes – but can she help him with his biggest challenge yet, so that he can finally win a golden star?

Zog is written by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, and brought to life with music and lyrics by Joe Stilgoe, direction from Ryan McBryde, musical direction and orchestrations from Paul Herbert, choreography by Katie Beard and set and costume design by Katie Sykes. The creative team is completed by puppetry director Edie Edmundson and associate choreographer Heather Scott-Martin.

Zog features an incredibly talented cast, with Samuel John Taylor (Stiletto, Charing Cross; Pirates of Penzance, UK Tour) as ‘Zog', Jess Lobo (Rapunzel, Watermill Theatre; The Museum of Marvellous Things, UK Tour) as ‘Pearl', Lotti Brogan (The Witches of Eastwick, Sondheim Theatre) as ‘Madam Dragon' and ‘Governess', Hugh Cotton (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, UK Tour) as ‘Cedric' and ‘Gadabout', Lee Beka Harper (I Was A Teenage She-Devil, Edinburgh Fringe) as ‘Nell' and Swing, and Daniel Noah (The Wizard of Oz, Icon of the Seas; Grease, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line) as Swing.

Zog is adapted from the book by Julia Donaldson, the multi award-winning author of some of the world's best-loved children's stories including The Gruffalo and Stick Man. Julia is best known for her popular rhyming tales, especially those illustrated by Axel Scheffler, which together have sold over 75 million copies and been published in more than 100 languages.