Nothing beats a Julia Donaldson stage show in the wintry build up to Christmas and this year Londoners will be spoilt for choice with so many productions to choose from. My five year old and I headed to The Garrick Theatre, a stones throw from London’s Leicester Sq, to see Tall stories’ newest revival and bring you our ‘The Gruffalo’s Child Theatre Review’.
It’s a tough act to follow – The Gruffalo. But The Gruffalo’s child is a rare find – a sequel that is every bit as good as the original.
What’s the show About?
The stage show is faithful to the picture book and follows the Gruffalo’s child who sneaks into the deep dark wood despite her father’s warnings. Starting from where the Gruffalo left off, the antagonist is now the big bad mouse and the title character, albeit cautiously, sets off to find her unlikely foe. En route she encounters a familiar trio of animals who, also fearing for their lives, provide her with inaccurate information, to hasten her along in pursuit of the mouse.
Sure enough when the two finally meet the tables are once again turned.The young Gruffalo may be fierce looking but the little mouse always finds a way to outwit her.
It’s a clever story of twists and turns which are executed brilliantly by Donaldson maestros Tall stories. Right from the beginning the stage comes to life with playfulness and physicality. A snow fight breaks out and of course the loud snores of the Gruffalo stir ripples of giggles through the young audience.
There is lots to love with catchy songs and audience participation from the outset. Children will be particularly enamoured by the characterisation of the woodland animals, all masterfully played by the same quick changing actor Maxwell Tyler.
First we meet the Snake – a haughty socialite dressed in Party hat and snakeskin tailcoat who mistakes the Gruffalo for one of his party guests. Next up is the know-it-all owl who assumes the young Gruffalo has come for his flying class. Lastly, the childrens’ favourite – the fox – a wheeler dealer ‘only fools and horses’ type who reckons he can sell anything… even the sunshine.
All this is played out with beautifully choreographed song and dance which sees the the trio of actors moving the woodland set around the stage to emulate the sense of going deeper into the woods.
The story is warm and carries messages of the power of wit and resourcefulness and not judging one another by superficial appearances such as size. The Gruffalo’s tender bond with his daughter reinforces a sense of security and trust within the family unit, which will resonate with small children.
Do children need to have read the book first?
Julia Donaldson fans will love this adaptation – even Stick man makes an appearance as a talisman for safety that the Gruffalo’s entrust to ward off the mistakenly mighty mouse. There is lots of echoing of the source text and the the young audience were often invited to finish off the actors rhyming couplets for them. But similarly children who haven’t read the gruffalo books will be able to follow this adventure thanks to the clear storytelling and unwavering energy of the talented trio.
Is this show suitable for all the family?
The show is aimed at a target audience of 3-6yrs. There are a few gags just for the adults too. The Garrick is an old traditional West End Theatre but the vibe for these performances is anyting but formal. Children are free to be as loud and interactive as they wish. The audience is generally made up of families – a forgiving audience for latecomers, last minute toilet dashers and noisy newborns. The show lasts a short but meaty 50 mins – the perfect length for this age group and buggy parking and booster seats are available.
A Festive must-see that will warm your heart and wrap you up in holiday cheer!
The Gruffalo’s Child is a Tall stories Theatre Company Production and plays at London’s Garrick Theatre until 7th January 2024
Cast Seen and Creative:
Read Next: The Snowman, Peacock Theatre Review
