Tall Stories is bringing festive magic to London’s West End this Christmas with its acclaimed production of The Gruffalo’s Child, adapted from the beloved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
The show will run at the Lyric Theatre from 24 November 2025 to 11 January 2026, with a UK tour beginning in October 2025.
Directed by Tall Stories’ co-founder Olivia Jacobs, The Gruffalo’s Child follows the brave young daughter of the Gruffalo as she ventures into the deep dark wood, defying her father’s warnings in search of the legendary Big Bad Mouse.
The production is packed with Tall Stories’ signature blend of physical storytelling, puppetry, original music, and playful humour, making it perfect for families with children aged 3 and up.
Toby Mitchell, Artistic Director and Co-founder of Tall Stories, said:
“The Gruffalo’s Child is a special tale for Tall Stories because we have the opportunity to explore a young person’s perspective on stage. Audiences will feel the same emotions as the Gruffalo’s Child, as she ventures into the Deep Dark Wood for the first time. I’m delighted that the show is on an extensive tour around the country, as we work to reach as many young people as we can with our storytelling theatre. For one hour, families can leave screens behind, come together and enter the special imaginative world which Julia and Axel have created – and which we bring to life on stage.”
The 2025 cast features Joe Lindley as the Gruffalo and Predators, Hannah Miller as the Gruffalo’s Child, Sabrina Simohamed as the Narrator and Mouse, and Robin Harris as Understudy.
Director Olivia Jacobs added:
“I love directing The Gruffalo’s Child and having the opportunity to work with this brilliant new cast who bring an original, fresh energy to the show. It’s a magical story, which feels hugely relevant to modern day parents/carers and young audience members. We want to protect our children, of course, but parenting isn’t a choice between building a fortress or allowing a free-for-all. The Gruffalo says ‘Don’t go into the wood’ and inevitably, his daughter does… But her adventure fosters resilience and confidence, sparks creativity and imagination. We need to encourage that in our children. But we also need them to know, just as the Gruffalo’s Child does, that they can always come home.”
First published in 2004, The Gruffalo’s Child is the bestselling sequel to The Gruffalo and won the 2005 National Book Award for Children’s Book of the Year.
Julia Donaldson said:
“Tall Stories bring their own special magic to their stage productions based on my books. Children will love entering the atmosphere of the deep dark wood and enjoy the catchy songs. The Big Bad Mouse is worth waiting for.”
Axel Scheffler added:
“The snowy deep dark wood, based on my illustrations, is brought to life by Tall Stories and it almost becomes a character in its own right in their production. A favourite moment for me is when the Gruffalo’s Child sits on the Gruffalo’s lap and the book cover image is created on the stage. I think the young audience will enjoy it very much.”
The Gruffalo’s Child at the Lyric Theatre is part of a long-term partnership with Nimax Theatres, aiming to inspire family audiences and enrich lives through imaginative storytelling.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
