The Gruffalo's Child @ The Artsdepot Theatre Review

I’ve heard that The Gruffalo is one the most fearsome animals in the woods with its gigantic paws, its horrifying eyes and its grotesque horns and tusks…Or perhaps we have more to worry about as I’ve heard that there’s an even bigger and scarier creature on the loose. It has gargantuan ears, piercing dark red eyes… apparently… and squeaks like you have never heard before! Beware of the Big Bad Mouse!

The Gruffalo's Child

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler‘s much loved bestselling sequel to The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child roars and settles into its new habitat at the Artsdepot Theatre for the festive season. Produced by Tall Stories the production immediately absorbs the families settling in to watch the performance into the cavernous and rustic existence of both the Gruffalo and the Gruffalo’s Child. The set design grabs the audience’s attention as the  cage-esque forest comprised of curved interlocking trees encapsulates the the drama centre stage.

The Gruffalo successfully steals all stage presence available with his all encompassing persona. His paws, teeth and horns capture the imaginations of both children and adults, completed by the mixed patchwork of fur adorning his costume. The relationship between both the Gruffalo and the Gruffalo’s Child is endearing, as the Gruffalo’s Child seeks to mimic the presence of his father. He has a nimbleness, a cheekiness about him that the children within the audience can identify with. The Mouse, or the Big Bad Mouse as she later becomes known by the Gruffalo is down to earth, and helps to narrate the story for all to be able to keep up with. She’s comical, fun and brings an air of authenticity to the production.

A series of forest creatures are brought to life in this production as the Gruffalo’s Child interacts with an all dancing, all singing sparkly silver Snake, an astute and wise Owl and a cheeky chappy (all about the bargains) Fox. Rather than being animalistic in tone, all three creatures take on humanistic traits, making the production even more comical and relatable in its approach. A lively production full of zest, this show is perfect for all of the family to see! 4/5

Review written by Lucy Basaba.

The Gruffalo’s Child is currently showing at the Artsdepot Theatre until Sunday 4th January. For more information on the production, visit here..

Written by Theatrefullstop