Following a critically acclaimed run at Little Angel Theatre over the summer, producers Fierylight and Little Angel Theatre have announced a UK tour of The Smartest Giant in Town which will commence on 9 February and continue through to May 2022.
Celebrating 20 years since publication next Spring, The Smartest Giant in Town is a heart-warming and vibrant tale about friendship and helping those in need.
Bringing Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling book to life in a musical, puppet-filled adventure and following on from Little Angel Theatre’s bestselling adaptations of Julia Donaldson’s picture books, including The Singing Mermaid and The Everywhere Bear.
The Smartest Giant in Town will visit: Rhoda McGaw Theatre, Woking (9-12 Feb), The Lowry, Salford (14-19 Feb), Swan Theatre, Worcester (22-23 Feb), Corn Exchange, Newbury (25-27 Feb), Grimsby Auditorium, Grimsby (1-2 Mar), Birmingham Town Hall, Birmingham (5 Mar), The Spotlight, Broxbourne (6-7 Mar), Lanark Memorial Hall, Lanark (10-11 Mar), Horse Cross Theatre, Perth (12-13 Mar), Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle (14-15 Mar), The Maltings, Berwick-Upon-Tweed (17 Mar), Blackheath Halls, London (19-20 Mar), Redgrave Theatre, Bristol (23-24 Mar), Lichfield Garrick, Lichfield (26-27 Mar), artsdepot, London (2-5 Apr), Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury (7-9 Apr), Brewhouse, Burton (11-13 Apr), Norwich Theatre Playhouse, Norwich (16-18 Apr), Torch Theatre, Pembrokshire (23-24 Apr), Albert Hall, Wales (26 Apr) Uppingham Theatre, Rutland (28-29 Apr), Theatre Royal, Winchester (30 Apr-1 May).
Julia Donaldson says: “I wrote The Smartest Giant in Town twenty years ago but the theme of generosity and kindness seems just as relevant today. The story really comes to life in Little Angel’s adaptation, which is also very faithful to Axel Scheffler’s brilliant illustrations. I saw the show last summer and the whole audience – including me – love the puppets and enjoyed the songs. I’m so pleased that now more children around the country will be able to experience live theatre as the show goes on tour.”
Axel Scheffler says: “I am very fond of George the giant and his friends in The Smartest Giant in Town; I enjoyed creating his world with its mix of town and countryside, and range of animal characters in a place where everyone lives together harmoniously. The creative team at Little Angel with Fierylight has brought my artwork to life in 3D in a brilliant way and their production is great fun. I really recommend it.”
The Smartest Giant in Town has been adapted and directed for the stage by Little Angel artistic director Samantha Lane, and award-winning musician Barb Jungr, who has also composed new music for the production. Set and costumes are designed by Kate Bunce, puppets are designed by Judith Hope and lighting is designed by Sherry Coenen.
George wishes he wasn’t the scruffiest giant in town. So when he sees a new shop selling giant-sized clothes, he decides it’s time for a new look: smart trousers, smart shirt, stripy tie, shiny shoes. Now he’s the smartest giant in town . . . until he bumps into some animals who desperately need his help – and his clothes!
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are the UK’s leading picture book partnership. Their books together, which include modern classics The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child, are popular globally and have sold over 75 million copies worldwide. The Smartest Giant in Town was first published by Macmillan Children’s Books in 2002.
