Honk! Junior

Honk! Junior is at the Groundlings Theatre on Saturday 11 July, performed by the Groundlings Drama School musical theatre class. It's a contemporary, comic musical adaptation of The Ugly Duckling, the old Hans Christian Andersen story we all know, and it's written for all the family, so it works as much for kids as it does for adults.

On stage, the story follows the one we're familiar with: a bird born different from the rest of the brood, struggling to fit in before finding where he truly belongs. The musical version is full of wit, charm, and original songs, and it keeps the heart of the original while leaning into the comedy. It's a joyful reminder that being different is something to celebrate, and it's built around colourful characters and a story that hits home for anyone who's ever felt a bit out of place.

Behind the production is the Groundlings Drama School musical theatre class, so you're seeing a local group bring this one to life. The Groundlings Theatre & Drama School is a community-based organisation rooted in the local area, offering high-level training for all ages, and this show comes straight out of their musical theatre class.

The venue is Groundlings Theatre, based at Boathouse 5 in the Historic Dockyard. In October 2025, the theatre and drama school moved into this new home, a Grade II listed building that houses an intimate 63-seat theatre and a spacious, flexible main hall with step-free access. It's a small room, so you'll be close to the action. The show runs on Saturday 11 July at the Historic Dockyard in Portsmouth.