When the response to seeing any form of entertainment is “can I watch it again?”, you know you are onto a winner. That was the verdict from my daughter after seeing The Gruffalo Live at the Vaudeville theatre in London.
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s famous book is brought to life by just three actors and a simple wood scene. The characters are expertly portrayed – and in far more detail and humour than the short book permits: from a Spanish-speaking snake in a flamboyant costume to an army-major owl and a devious fox. Each animal attempts to capture the brave little mouse, played wonderfully by Ellie Bell, as she tries to outwit her predators.
And then there’s the Gruffalo! Those of you who are familiar with the book will know that the title character doesn’t make an appearance until halfway through the story. But, within minutes of the production starting, there were children in the audience asking their parents “where is the Gruffalo”? Of course, once one child had started the rest echoed the same words, including my daughter.
His appearance was worth the wait though. Despite his scary appearance, described by the mouse, the Gruffalo did not frighten the young audience. Instead, he came bounding upon the stage with a fantastical costume and provided much amusement after the long-awaited anticipation.
The Gruffalo, by Tall Stories Theatre Company, moves along swiftly with the help of catchy songs and music. Running at 55 minutes, it is the perfect timing for young children and there is some audience participation to keep them on their toes. Many took this very seriously, shouting out and dancing along. My daughter was memorised throughout and joined in to an extent but it was more of an under-the-breath singing.
Julia Donaldson herself has praised the production saying it has been interpreted with “versatility, energy and quirkiness”and it takes an “exhilarating leap from page to stage”.
But what about the real critic, three-year-old Mrs T? Well, upon leaving the theatre she remarked “that was fun” followed by an encore of her singing ‘G G G Gruffalo’ as we walked down the stairs. She has since repeatedly asked to see the show again. What more validation do you need?
The Gruffalo Live is set for an international tour in 2016 but Tall Stories are currently touring the UK with Julia Donaldson’s sequel, The Gruffalo’s Child.
Extra info
– The production is recommended for children aged 3 upwards
– We paid £17.50 per ticket
– There was a special area to leave buggies at the Vaudeville theatre
– Photography is not permitted during the performance
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That sounds amazing – my two girls would love to see this or the Gruffalo’s Child – am off to check out the websites now and see if I can get some tickets! Sounds like your daughter really enjoyed it – asking to see it again is definitely the sign of a good show! 🙂
Louise (Little Hearts, Big Love) recently posted…The Friday Focus 08/01/16
I know! She was really quiet through the performance but then uttered those words and I was very relieved! It’s done so well! Thoroughly recommend x
It sounds like you had such a wonderful time and it was a great show!
It’s such a lovely story….My girls used to love it x
Kim Carberry recently posted…Rain, rain go away! #WotW
Thank you Kim…it’s a great story and adapted so well for the stage – all the kids there loved it!
I didn’t know they did a live version, it sounds brill! 🙂 #pocolo
Jess Powell (Babi a Fi) recently posted…Review: Childs Farm Toiletries
It’s really fab! X
I think Grace is probably a little old for this now – but we saw many similar shows when she was small including The Tiger that Came to Tea. I think that these are great for little kids. #PoCoLo
They are brilliant. Have been so impressed by the standard of children’s theatre these days! X
I must admit to not being familiar with The Gruffalo story, but I know it’s a big hit with kids. It’s great she enjoyed her trip to the theatre and it sounds like you might be doing more, I think the things we do with our parents become things we look back on fondly and things we’re more likely to do ourselves too. Thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo 🙂
I think you’re right! Thanks for hosting #pocolo