Pinocchio at Lowry

We all know the story – wooden boy, growing nose, the longed-for transformation into something “real”. Stuff and Nonsense captures all of that but through their unique physical style, centres their adaptation around the relationship between grandfather, father and son. It begins around a table in a crumbling old house, where the three funny men seek refuge in stories, play and memory. One of them is Pinocchio – and it turns out he’s had quite a life.

Led by director Niki McCretton, Stuff and Nonsense build the show around the way children play everyday. A single dining table shifts and transforms, everyday objects become puppets and characters, and scenes are built using things children might recognise – and recreate – from their own homes.

Across reviews, the physicality of the performance stands out. With just three performers, the show relies on quick-fire character changes and tightly choreographed physical comedy, propelled by Dom Coyote’s original songs and Tim Dalling’s live accordion, performed on stage by the cast. Reviews frequently note the show’s high-energy approach, alongside playful sleight of hand and inventive use of everyday props. Laughter comes easily, and moments of participation are woven into the rhythm of the show, encouraging children to respond and join in as the story unfolds.

At its heart, the story is framed through family relationships. Pinocchio’s journey is retold by a father, grandfather and son, with the familiar pull between responsibility and play woven through their shared memories. The tension between following the “right” path and being tempted by the land of toys is played out with humour rather than moral instruction, keeping the focus on growing up, family connection and the pleasures – and pitfalls – of mischief.

Designed for families and recommended for ages 3+, Pinocchio is carefully shaped to welcome young and first-time theatre-goers, with a tight, family-friendly running time that keeps its focus and momentum. Alongside its main performances, the run includes relaxed, BSL and audio described shows, with touch tours available for visually impaired audiences – part of Stuff and Nonsense’s long-standing commitment to making theatre accessible without diluting its ambition.

Ultimately, Stuff and Nonsense’s Pinocchio is less about becoming “real” than about how we share stories and play. Rooted in generational connection, it offers a version of a familiar tale that sparks the imagination and wows with its high quality production. A show not to be missed.