The Smartest Giant In Town At The Lowry Theatre, Salford Review

Reviewed by M Wright

The Smartest Giant in Town – a Fierylight & Little Angel Production.

My son and I were fortunate to visit the Lowry theatre in Salford to watch The Smartest Giant in town and it’s safe to say it was a huge hit with both of us! It was so nice to get out of the house and do something different over the February half term holidays. We love coming to the Lowry as it’s so convenient and easy to park, with an abundance of restaurants and activities to fill a full days adventure.

This story has been one of our favourite bedtime stories for years – in fact it was one of the stories my elder daughter loved too! It was magical to see him light up as the story we knew and loved by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler come to life on stage. Celebrating 20 years since publication, this story of kindness and helping others has delighted children world wide and we were so excited to see how this could be adapted to a stage show.

An interactive and enjoyable experience for all, The Smartest Giant in Town did not disappoint with educational elements and fun activities throughout the show such as teaching the children to count in French !

The story follows George, the scruffiest giant in town who wishes to wear smart clothes to be accepted by those around him. George visits a new clothes shop which sells giant sized smart clothing! After purchasing smart trousers, a smart shirt, new socks, a stripy tie and new shiny shoes, he transforms into the smartest, and happiest giant in town! But George is such a kind hearted giant that he can’t help himself as he tries to help others, and eventually ends up giving away parts of his new clothing to aid intriguing characters along his way. After giving away all of the clothing that made him so happy and smart, he ended up being the coldest giant in town. He puts back on his old clothes which feel familiar and comfortable realising that he was perfect all along, a sentiment that his new friends share as they thank him with a shiny golden crown, naming him the kindest giant in town.

The underlying message through the story emphasises that our actions are the things that define us, not our appearance.

With catchy songs throughout and slap-stick humour that will tickle your children, it’s an experience I would definitely recommend for your little ones. The show is aimed at children aged 2 – 8 and although my son is at the top of this age bracket, he was fully mesmerised all the way through!

The production was created by adorable and highly crafted puppets moved by a talented team of three actors whose clever staging transformed rolling hills into smaller sub scenes which changed per character for their own dilemmas. The set design was simple but completely effective, enhanced by small prop adaptations which had the whole audience laughing.

This talented, heart warming adaptation is on at the Lowry Theatre, Salford M50 3AZ from 21st – 26th February 2023.
Book tickets through their website The Smartest Giant | What’s On | The Lowry    and treat your kids to a delightful performance that will stay with them long after – in our case the whole journey home and beyond!

Tickets cost from £18.00

Rating: 5/5