The Gruffalo’s Child at the King’s Theatre Glasgow Review
The Gruffalo’s Child
King’s Theatre, Glasgow
2-3 February 2016
Reviewed by Emily Crombie
Yesterday my girls (age 4) and I visited the King’s Theatre in Glasgow and were treated to a wonder performance of The Gruffalo’s Child by Tall Stories.
Tall Stories, a charity, was created by Olivia Jacobs and Toby Mitchell in 1997 and has produced stage performances of many well-known children’s books including Room on a Broom and The Gruffalo and tours worldwide.
Based on the book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, the story is brought to life by three talented actors Sophie Alice (The Gruffalo’s Child), Catriona MacKenzie (the mouse) and Duncan MacInnes (Gruffalo).
As a follow on from The Gruffalo, the Gruffalo’s Child also meets the snake, owl and fox on a journey to establish of the Big Bad Mouse does exist. The show gives the woodland animals a persona… a flashy French snake in sequins while the owl is more homely in is knitted jumper. This definitely involves the children more in the story although it does help if they are familiar with it beforehand… I am sure there are few children that have not been exposed to the delights of Donaldson and Scheffler!
The children’s story grows to a show nearly an hour long by song, dance and capers. It really is the perfect length for the recommended age of 3 plus. It was a bit scary for little ones… there were quite a lot of tear in the theatre at the start of the show!
The girl’s loved The Gruffalo’s Child and have been talking about it ever since, they all had favourite parts, the mouse was a hit as were the songs but they also picked up a the message about listening to adults and doing what they say!
A super high quality performance from the Tall Stories cast.
The King’s Theatre is located on Bath Street within walking distance of bus and rail station but there is parking in the vicinity as well. Although the theatre was busy, staff were great with the kids and helpful towards those with prams etc.
Rating: 5/5 
The Gruffalo’s Child is currently on tour around the UK, for more information and tour dates/venues visit www.gruffaloschildlive.com.
For other shows at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow visit www.atgtickets.com/kings.
King’s Theatre, 297 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4JN | 0844 871 7648
