The Gruffalo Live On Stage will be livestreamed to children in hospitals across the UK this July, as Lowry, Tall Stories and Read for Good join forces to expand a much-loved initiative.
For the first time, the Salford venue’s annual hospital livestream will reach locations nationwide, bringing live theatre directly to young patients and their families.
Performances of the 25th anniversary tour of Tall Stories’ acclaimed stage adaptation will be streamed from Lowry’s Quays Theatre on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th July.
Participating hospitals include Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and its sites, The Hub at Edinburgh Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, and the MediCinema at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Alongside the broadcast, teams from Lowry and Tall Stories will deliver pre-show activities and interactive moments, ensuring the experience captures the magic of live performance.
Each child will also receive a golden theatre ticket and additional gifts, creating a shared and memorable event for families and carers.
Since launching in 2022, the initiative has reached more than 2,000 children and families across the North West, growing from a response to the isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The programme has previously streamed productions including Room on the Broom, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, Stick Man, and The Smeds and The Smoos.
Jenny Riding, Director of Learning and Engagement at Lowry, said: “This initiative shows just how powerful live theatre can be in supporting children’s wellbeing, and its impact shows that even in the most difficult moments, creativity can offer comfort, joy and a sense of normality. “We’re incredibly proud to see it grow from something that started at Lowry to now reaching children in hospitals across the UK, through this partnership with Tall Stories and Read for Good. Together, we’re able to ensure even more children can feel part of the magic, particularly those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to access theatre.”
Toby Mitchell, Artistic Director and Tara Wilkinson, Executive Director at Tall Stories, said: “At Tall Stories, we believe every child deserves the wonder of storytelling theatre, no matter where they are. This summer, as part of our anniversary celebration, we are proud to be live-streaming The Gruffalo Live on Stage into hospitals across the UK, completely free, reaching over 1,900 children whose current circumstances mean they cannot attend in person.
This is made possible through Lowry’s world-class streaming expertise, Read for Good’s relationships with hospitals across the UK, and Tall Stories’ storytelling theatre and nationwide reach. We are also grateful to Macmillan Children’s Books, whose generous support is putting books into the hands of young patients alongside the show. But this is about more than a screen. Skilled staff from each organisation will be on the ground at hospitals, bringing in-person activities that make the experience feel as live and joyful as possible. From ward to stage, we are all committed to finding new ways to open up the magic of theatre for every child who needs it most.”
Cherry Land, Acting CEO of Read for Good, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be partnering with Lowry and Tall Stories to help reach even more children in hospitals with incredible stories. We know just how powerful the resulting joy, inclusion, distraction and wonder can be for these children and their families throughout treatment. This fantastic partnership will ensure that they don’t miss out on the celebrations and this magical and musical adaptation of such a beloved story.”
More information can be found here
