A musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s classic story, The Smartest Giant in Town, is returning this Christmas at the St Martin’s Theatre.
From 29 November 2024 – 05 January 2025 the show will once again play in tandem with The Mousetrap which has run at the theatre since 1974, which marks its record-breaking 50 year run at the venue.
Nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Family Show in 2023, the production also completed a successful UK tour last year, where it was enjoyed by children across the country.
The Smartest Giant in Town is a heart-warming and vibrant story about friendship and helping those in need. Little Angel artistic director Samantha Lane, and award-winning musician Barb Jungr bring the bestselling book to life in this musical, puppet-filled adventure. This production previously toured in 2022 until February 2023, with a stint in the West End last Christmas.
George wishes he wasn’t the scruffiest giant in town. So when he sees a new shop selling giant-sized clothes, he decides it’s time for a new look: smart trousers, smart shirt, stripy tie, shiny shoes. Now he’s the smartest giant in town . . . until he bumps into some animals who desperately need his help – and his clothes!
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are the UK’s leading picture book partnership. Their books together, which include modern classics The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child, are popular globally and have sold over 75 million copies worldwide. The Smartest Giant in Town was first published by Macmillan Children’s Books in 2002.
The Smartest Giant in Town has been adapted and directed for the stage by Little Angel artistic director Samantha Lane, and award-winning musician Barb Jungr, who has also composed new music for the production. Set and costumes are designed by Kate Bunce, puppets are designed by Judith Hope, with lighting design by Sherry Coenen.
TOUR DATES 2024
08 – 09 October Radlett, The Radlett Centre
12 – 13 October Halifax, Victoria Theatre
16 – 17 October Shrewsbury, Severn Theatre
19 October High Wycombe, Wycombe Swan
26 – 27 October Winchester, Theatre Royal
30 – 31 October Aldershot, Princes Hall
01 – 03 November Bristol, Redgrave Theatre
06 November Wellingborough, Castle Theatre
09 – 10 November Milford Haven, Torch Theatre
16 – 17 November Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre
TOUR DATES 2025
31 January – 01 February Brighton, Theatre Royal
05 – 06 February York, Grand Opera House
08 – 09February Exeter, Northcott Theatre
12 – 13 February Buxton, Opera House
15 – 16 February Ramsgate, Granville Theatre
18 – 19 February Northampton, Royal and Derngate
22 – 23 February London, Blackheath Halls
26 – 27 February Stevenage, Gordon Craig Theatre
01 – 02 March Fareham, Fareham Live
03 – 04 March Cambridge, Corn Exchange
12 – 13 March St Helens, Theatre Royal
14 – 15 March Cardiff, New Theatre
25 – 26 March Bexhill-On-Sea, De La Warr Pavilion
28 – 29 March Guildford, G Live
02 – 03 April London, Richmond Theatre
05 – 06 April New Brighton, Floral Pavilion
09 – 10 April Sale, Waterside Arts
12 – 13 April Birmingham, Town Hall
16 – 19 April Leeds, Carriageworks
23– 24 April Worcester, Swan Theatre
25 – 27 April Taunton, Brewhouse
