Reviewed by Lauren O’Hara
Getting to The Lowry in Manchester is really easy. There is a passenger drop off right outside and a car park opposite. There is a bus stop 50 yards away and the Metrolink tram stop is a 10 minute walk away. We chose to drive and park which we found the easiest option with a toddler and baby. There was plenty of parking even with the show on and everyone out Christmas shopping at The Lowry Outlet Mall (where the parking is located) and we found a spot easily. Parking cost £3 for a 2-3 hour ticket which was plenty of time for us.
The lady on the box office was very friendly and helpful. There was a mix up with the tickets which meant that my husband and son would be sitting separate from myself and the baby. The lady was able to sort the tickets out without a problem so we could all sit together.
We then made our way to the Quays Theatre which was a bit of a walk as you keep going there is a long walkway with glass overlooking the water. We didn’t have much time before the show but after my son enjoyed looking out over the water. The theatre itself was small and cosy perfect for a children’s performance. Again, the staff were friendly and helpful finding the theatre and our seats once inside.
Our energetic little boy finds it hard to sit for a long time. He gets bored after 30 minutes of his favourite movies, so we didn’t know how sitting through an hour-long performance would go. We are big fans of The Gruffalo in our house, so I thought we would give it a go. He did enjoy it and watched asking questions but again after about 30 minutes he did need to get up and move around. He danced along to the music and walked around the seats. Because the show was for children we didn’t feel so bad when he needed to get up and move about especially because we were in a box on our own at the back of the theatre.
When the show started, and the lights were turned down, it was very dark and because of the story and the mouse being scared walking through the ‘deep dark wood’ my little boy got really scared and started to cry. This was not the best start and I was worried we would have to leave. The mood quickly changed however and once the lights turned up and the music started he soon started to enjoy himself.
The three actors were really good and made the story come to life. There was singing, dancing and audience participation. The performance was good fun for both the children and the adults in the audience! The performance was so visual it even kept our 6-month-old entertained and focused on the stage.
Overall, I would give both The Lowry and The Gruffalo a 5/5. We really enjoyed our day out and it was something different to do as a family. This is a must see if your family are Gruffalo lovers like us!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost £17.50 (booking fees may apply).
The Gruffalo is at The Lowry in Manchester from 6 December 2017 to 7 January 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.thelowry.com or call the box office on 0843 208 6000.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ | 0843 208 6000
