Acclaimed family theatre company Stuff and Nonsense has announced a new UK tour of The Gingerbread Man, a playful reimagining of the classic story created in collaboration with primary school children.
The production opens at The Albany in Deptford this December before travelling to Lakeside Arts in Nottingham in February 2027.
Blending hand-crafted puppetry, original music and imaginative storytelling, The Gingerbread Man follows the adventures of the bravest biscuit of all time as he embarks on an epic journey beyond the familiar fairytale.
As he races across farms, railways and far-flung destinations, the Gingerbread Man must use his wits to stay one step ahead of the wily fox and anyone else who finds him tempting.
The production was developed through research and development sessions with children aged three to nine, helping to shape a contemporary interpretation of the much-loved tale.
Niki McCretton, Artistic Director of Stuff and Nonsense Company, said: “This production of The Gingerbread Man is a contemporary adaptation of a classic tale. It was exciting to develop this story, working with children (ages 3-9) during our R&D, revealing that this story still holds great interest for them.
“Their fascination seems to lie in the energy of The Gingerbread Man who must run, without knowing why or who he is. Children seem to enjoy the dangers and the opportunity to explore different ways they would survive. I was excited to explore how he finds his feet in the world.
“The original story is a brilliant catalyst. I love its energy and pace, as well as all the different animals and characters he comes across. In the original, he doesn’t even know where he is running to, so this is an opportunity to be inventive and find him in an imagined destination – a place that represents hope, and a child’s idea of what their life might be when they grow up. It also shows a struggle, determination, loneliness, resilience and the courage to be dauntless.”
Founded in 2000, Stuff and Nonsense has performed to more than 400,000 audience members and is renowned for creating thought-provoking and entertaining theatre for children and families.
The Gingerbread Man has been created with public funding from Arts Council England, with support from The Berry Theatre, The Point Eastleigh, Salisbury Playhouse and The Lyric Theatre Bridport.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
