The Gruffalo’s Child at Lighthouse Poole

 On Easter weekend we were lucky enough to be invited to see Tall Stories’ clever production of the Gruffalo’s Child at Lighthouse Poole.

We saw the Gruffalo Live a couple of years ago and the kids adored it so we were looking forward to seeing what they had to offer this time.

The Gruffalo’s child is the sequel to The Gruffalo, which sold over 13 million copies and won several prizes for children’s literature. The story follows the Gruffalo’s daughter on her adventurous pursuit in search of the “big bad mouse”, the only creature her father is truly fearful of.

We sat down ready to begin and much to the kids delight the mouse was scurrying about on stage and came into the audience before the show started.

A simple set of just a few movable trees make up the “deep dark wood”, but surprisingly it works really well. The cast of just 3 are hugely talented and had the audience in the palm of their hands whilst watching this magical, sometimes funny, sometimes scary adaptation of Julia Donaldsons’ book.

Practically all the text from the book is used as the framework for the show and this is expanded wonderfully by a collection of catchy songs and snappy dialogue that very much keeps the spirit and feel of the book.

Gruffalo's Child
Photo Credit Tall Stories

The inquisitive Gruffalo’s Child is played brilliantly by Sophie Alice whilst Catriona Mackenzie doubles up as Narrator and The Mouse, bringing all the characters together. I have to say though that it is Duncan Maclnnes who steals the show as not just The Gruffalo, but as the bumbling old RAF wing commander-like Owl, the wheeler-dealer Fox in a Trilby and rain mac and as the rather bonkers Snake complete with a spangled silver jacket who loves to dance.

With a simple to follow story, fun songs, a guest appearance from the Stick Man and some brilliantly acting this charming, imaginative and really enjoyable story kept us all entertained for 55 minutes.

 

21 thoughts on “The Gruffalo’s Child at Lighthouse Poole”

  1. Wow this looks brilliant. There is nothing like seeing your favourite book brought to life in live theatre. We saw the Gruffalo many years ago when the boys were younger and loved it. I think they would still love this though! x

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  2. This looks so lovely, I LOVE the theatre! My children have an irrational fear of The Gruffalo after we did a Gruffalo trail at a local park and they were scarred for life when he jumped out on them at the end. Infact we no longer speak about The Gruffalo…at all!!

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  3. We saw it at Warwick over christmas and it really was lovely. Similarly we’d already seen The Gruffalo – they’re such a good way to get kids into theatre.

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  4. I love these small theatre outfits that bring kids books to life. We’ve seen similar productions of Emily Brown & The Thing and Not Now Bernard. Brilliant!

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  5. This sounds like such a fun thing for the little ones. We love the Julia Donaldson books and I can imagine seeing them come to life onstage is very exciting 🙂

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  6. I know that my O would love this. We saw Stick Man in Edinburgh before Christmas and it was amazing. Glad to hear you enjoyed The Gruffalo’s Child! X

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