Review: The Gruffalo at The Lowry

Take a stroll through the deep dark wood with Mouse in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the party mad Snake. Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these hungry woodland creatures? After all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there?

With a gorgeous wood set, complete with butterflies and acorns designed by Isla Shaw, the mixture of storytelling, physical theatre and songs and dancing creates a wonderful show for all the family.

The costumes are particularly impressive, with swift movements and quick on stage changes as the audience sees Alastair Chisholm transform into the predators of the story – from moving his collar on his jacket and lifting the flaps on his hat up to become a fox, to the slightly deranged Spanish rattle snake (complete with maracas to rattle!)

The brave Mouse is played by Lauren Scott-Berry, with a sweet singing voice and well-received interaction with the audience. 

Aaron Millard takes on the role of the storyteller and the said monster The Gruffalo. While stomping around, coming and sitting in the stalls with the audience, and trying not to scary too many people, you find out that the Gruffalo just wants to have some friends.

With original songs written by Jon Fiber and Andy Shaw, the show is a great treat for all ages, with some pantomime-eek moments with audience interaction and ending with falling snow, it’s a Christmas treat!

★★★★

The Gruffalo is running at the Lowry Quays Theatre until 7th January 2018.