Theatre

The Gruffalo’s Child At Derby Theatre Review

Reviewed by Gemma F


‘Aha! Aho! A trail in the snow! Whose is this trail and where does it go?’…What better time of year to see ‘The Gruffalo’s Child’ than a chilly, crisp January day. This book is wonderfully written by Julia Donaldson and beautifully illustrated by Axel Scheffler, and is a well loved bedtime story for many, many families. We excitedly set off for Derby Theatre to watch this story bought to life on stage!

Derby Theatre is located within Derbion shopping centre and parking was convenient and completely stress free. The theatre is a short walk from the Derbion car parks and is undercover (a welcome detail for those with little ones on a wet January day!). There are numerous restaurants and shops nearby for those who wish to make a day out of it. Derby Theatre is an unassuming building but, much like Narnia, inside it is surprisingly vast and houses a modern theatre. Refreshments are available to buy at the theatre foyer and there is a separate well stocked bar and seating area on the first floor. It is a warm and welcoming space to gather, with friendly staff waiting to greet you.

As the time neared for the show to start, the theatre was filled with lots of very excited children and parents waiting to watch the Gruffalo’s Child hunt for the Big Bad Mouse. The lights dimmed and there appeared The Gruffalo in the deep dark wood, and he didn’t disappoint! The costumes are great and the small but versatile cast brilliantly and imaginatively brought to life this story. They took us from the sleepy Gruffalo’s cave, where the Gruffalo warns his child to NEVER step foot in the deep dark wood! However, the curious Gruffalo’s Child cannot resist the temptation of adventure and takes us on a magical journey through the snowy woodland. On her travels she encounters a (rather fabulous) snake, who entertained us all with his audience interactions! The Gruffalo’s Child next comes across a very funny owl in an equally hilarious costume, who encouraged young and old audience members to flap their wings! She later stumbles across the suave and predatory fox, who soon realised he was in the company of the child of the terrifying, roasted fox eating Gruffalo, so changed his tune! An impressive on-stage costume change resulted in the mouse appearing before our very eyes! We especially liked The Gruffalo played by Maxwell Tyler, with his ‘terrible tusks’ and ‘purple prickles all over his back’, whose costume was nothing short of awesome. Oh and look out for appearances by The Stick Man, a nod to yet another of Julia Donaldsons excellent tales!

Little ones who may otherwise find theatre shows a little long will be enthralled by this storytelling, as the show is continually punctuated by a new woodland animals keeping children engaged and entertained throughout. The songs featured in the show come with opportunities for audience participation and actions for fidgety little ones to join in with. So familiar were the families with this bedtime tale, that they were able to recognise parts of the narrative and join in!

I would recommend this show to people of any age who has ever loved this story. It is a show whose story-telling evokes fun, fond memories and excitement.

Rating: 4/5

Tickets cost from £14.50

The Gruffalo’s Child is at Derby Theatre, Derby from 23rd January – 25th January 2024
For more information or to book tickets visit www.derbytheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01332 59 39 39.
Derby Theatre, 15 Theatre Walk, St Peter’s Quarter, Derby, DE1 2NF.

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