Tall Stories share their imaginative magic this Christmas with The Gruffalo’s Child at the Lyric Theatre in London’s West End

Adapted from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning picture book, Tall Stories’ much loved The Gruffalo’s Child has been busy preparing for her next adventure in the West End with an all-new cast.

Directed by Tall Stories’ co-founder Olivia Jacobs, The Gruffalo’s Child will play at the Lyric Theatre in London’s West End from 24 November to 11 January and on a national tour from October 2025.

‘The Gruffalo said that no Gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep, dark wood…’

Like all parents, the Gruffalo tries to protect his daughter, to keep her safe from harm, but one wild and windy night, the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood. Her sense of adventure leads her to encounter a fox, a snake and an owl, but the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he?

Tall Stories ‘The Gruffalo’s Child’ transports the whole family, age 3 and up, into a snow-filled world of courage and adventure, where wit triumphs over strength. The show captures all the charm, rhyming couplets and playful humour of the picture book as well as providing original music and a lot of laughs.

Developed over 28 years, Tall Stories’ creative physical storytelling, magical puppetry, playfulness, songwriting and humour celebrate imagination where everyone is invited in. The company use direct address, inviting audiences into this magical world and the heart of the story, travelling alongside the Gruffalo’s Child in her playful adventure. The way Tall Stories use play and imagination, the costumes, songs, and set, encourage young audiences to create worlds of their own at home, making the experience last beyond their theatre visit.

Playing the Gruffalo and Predators is Joe Lindley, with Hannah Miller as the Gruffalo’s Child, Robin Harris is the Understudy and Sabrina Simohamed is the Narrator and Mouse. This company is directed by the original Director, Olivia Jacobs.

‘The Gruffalo’s Child’ was written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler and was first published by Macmillan Children’s Books in 2004. It is the bestselling sequel to The Gruffalo and won the 2005 National Book Award for Children’s Book of the Year.

The Gruffalo’s Child is at Lyric Theatre London from 24 November to 11 January and on a UK tour from 3 October 2025 to 9 April 2026.

Additional information about the West End production of The Gruffalo’s Child

When is The Gruffalo’s Child playing in London?
The Gruffalo’s Child is playing Monday 24 November 2025 to Sunday 11 January 2026

What time does The Gruffalo’s Child start?
The Gruffalo’s Child starts at different times during the morning and afternoon. Check the website when booking.

How long is The Gruffalo’s Child?
55 minutes (no interval)

What Theatre is The Gruffalo’s Child on at?
The Gruffalo’s Child is on at the Lyric Theatre

What is the age recommendation for The Gruffalo’s Child?
is suitable for ages 3+

Are there any Accessible Performances for The Gruffalo’s Child?
Yes. There will be an Audio Described Performance on Tue 2 Dec, 1.30pm (Touch Tour at 12.30pm) and a BSL Interpreted Performance on Fri 12 Dec, 1.30pm.

Additionally there will be Relaxed Performances on:
Fri 5 Dec, 1.30pm (Touch Tour at 12.30pm)
Sun 14 Dec, 10.30am
Mon 22 Dec, 1.30pm
Mon 29 Dec, 1.30pm (Touch Tour at 12.30pm)
Mon 5 Jan, 1.30pm (Touch Tour at 12.30pm)

The Gruffalo’s Child UK Tour Dates 2025

Oct 3 – 4, The Quarry Theatre, Bedford
Oct 5 – 6, Corn Exchange Theatre and Cinema, King’s Lynn
Oct 9 – 11, Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells
Oct 12 – 14, Redgrave Theatre, Bristol
Oct 18 – 19, Blackheath Halls, London
Oct 20 – 22, The Radlett Centre, Radlett
Oct 25 – 26, Theatre Royal Winchester
28 Oct – 1 Nov, Everyman Theatre, Liverpool
Nov 5 – 6, Swan Theatre, Worcester Nov 7 – 8, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington
Nov 11, The Granville Theatre, Ramsgate
Nov 14 – 16, BEAM, Hertford
Nov 18 – 19, Swansea Grand Theatre
Nov 21 – 22, Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre, Wales
24 Nov – 11 Jan, Lyric Theatre, London
Feb 6 – 8, Royal & Derngate, Northampton
Feb 14 – 15, Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre, Taunton
Feb 17 – 22, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford
Feb 25 – 26, Mansfield Palace Theatre, Mansfield
27 Feb – 1 Mar, Z-arts, Manchester
Mar 5 – 7, Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury
Mar 9 – 10, Lichfield Garrick Theatre, Lichfield
Mar 13 – 15 Corn Exchange, Newbury
Mar 20 – 21, Hull Truck Theatre
Mar 22 – 24, Forum Theatre Billingham
Mar 27 – 29, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, Bury
Apr 6 – 9, artsdepot
Apr 11-12, The Carriageworks Theatre, Leeds