THE GRUFFALO
Based on the nation’s favourite picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE, EASTBOURNE
Friday 24 April 1.30pm & 4.30pm, Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 April 10.30am & 1.30pm
Age restriction 3+ years
Tall Stories’ much-loved stage adaptation of The Gruffalo celebrates 25 years of inspiring young imaginations with a UK-wide tour, coming to Eastbourne’s Devonshire Park Theatre, 24-26 April. Adapted from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning picture book, Tall Stories’ The Gruffalo live on stage invites young audiences into a world of joy, silliness and curiosity where everything is possible.
Over 25 years, the show has been experienced by over 3 million people, travelled to 18 different countries, been translated into 7 different languages, and the Gruffalo has been performed by 37 actors. Produced by Tall Stories (The Gruffalo’s Child, The Smeds and The Smoos, The Elmer Adventure, Wilde Creatures).
A classic ‘David and Goliath’ story, ‘The Gruffalo’ centres on a tiny creature outwitting a huge creature in this well-loved tale of curiosity, courage and imagination. The little Mouse is on a daring adventure in search of hazelnuts through the deep, dark wood. Along the way, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the high-spirited Snake, each with a special story to tell – with catchy, clap-along ska, disco and rock inspired songs. To save himself from ending up as dinner for these hungry woodland creatures, Mouse shares tall tales of a terrifying Gruffalo who lurks in the deep dark wood.
Tall Stories’ original and distinctive storytelling theatre style welcomes everyone in with its playfulness, puppetry, songs, and humour. Families are invited to rediscover the joy of storytelling, sparking creativity and inspiring children and grown-ups alike to keep playing, long after they leave the theatre.
Director Olivia Jacobs, talks about how the company does it: “Each new production of The Gruffalo evolves a bit differently depending on the casting. We’re always seeking new ways to connect with our audience – and get them laughing. We encourage each performer to improvise, discover their personal take on the characters, and uncover new moments of imagination and magic. We experiment with new ideas to help give Owl a sense of flight, or to trace Mouse’s journey more vividly, or to add a more playful physicality to Fox that perfectly suits his confident, cheeky nature. Each actor who plays the Gruffalo brings something uniquely their own to the part, aiming to strike just the right balance between scary and funny to delight our audiences. The cast improvise elements of the show every day, and it’s the sense of playfulness, audience connection, creativity and unpredictable energy that make Tall Stories’ shows so special, and never the same twice.”
Come take a stroll with Mouse through the deep dark wood and see The Gruffalo at the Devonshire Park Theatre, 24-26 April.
Ages 3+ years.
Tickets at eastbournetheatres.co.uk, Box Office 01323 412000.
Standard tickets £18.50, Under 16s, Groups and Family rates available.
image: ©Mark-Senio
