Disclaimer: I was given tickets to the performance at a reduced rate for the purpose of this review.
On the eve of Christmas Eve we went to see The Gruffalo’s Child live stage show at The Town Hall Birmingham. It is one of our favourite books and I – I mean Molly – was really excited to see how it had been adapted for the theatre.
The show has been made by Tall Stories theatre company and we went to see their production of the Gruffalo last year so we knew we wouldn’t be disappointed. These productions follow the books but add more detail and amazing songs. I was singing “Stick With Me” all day afterwards and it has really stuck in my head.
The best thing about the performance is undoubtedly the actors. There are only three actors who play all the characters and they are so believable. The mouse came and wandered around the audience looking for cheese while we were waiting for the performance and it really helped to get into the mood of the piece. The actor who plays the Gruffalo also takes the other parts – something which amazed Molly when I told her after the performance. I loved his interpretation of the snake and a wide boy fox – which definitely keeps the adults entertained as well. My favourite character is the Gruffalo’s child – with the cuddliest costume ever. You can’t help rooting for her a little bit although just as you are hoping she will find the mouse she shows just the right amount of menace so you hope she will be throated.
The show is perfect for children aged 3+. There is no interval so it is worth getting something to keep littler children going through the 55 minute performance – although they will be so involved with the action that they won’t notice the time. The other thing I think is good is that, while there is merchandise to buy after the performance, it is really reasonable. We bought a puppet Gruffalo and a poster program for a few pound.
This really was a lovely Christmas treat and I hope it tours again so I can take the twins when they are old enough too. I’m sure I’ll still know the melody to all the songs!
The Gruffalo’s Child is on until the 16th January. I attended the performance with some other bloggers so check out their reviews to see what they thought too. Big thanks to Cat from Yellow Days for organising.