The Gruffalo’s Child at Z-arts

“The Gruffalo said that no Gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood…” – The Gruffalo’s Child

Once upon a time, in that magical realm where picture books become stage productions, The Gruffalo’s Child boldly tiptoes onto the stage. Adapted from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning bedtime book, this production from Tall Stories offers everything a three-year-old or their grownup could possibly want: songs, laughs, snow, the occasional fright…

The plot is not overly complex. It’s all set around the Gruffalo’s offspring, a curious, slightly disobedient Gruffalo child who ignores father’s solemn words: no Gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood. Naturally, one dark and snowy night, she does precisely what her father has told her not to – and this story is all about what (or who!) she finds in those woods.

The production is packed with a sense of wit, while also being sweet, but not in a sickly way. The songs are lively, the staging is inventive and the whole production radiates a reassuring warmth.

Critics have also been charmed by the production, with LondonTheatre1 calling it “warm, witty and beautifully made,” and The Scotsman pronounces it “perfect children’s entertainment.” Time Out says it’s “fun, daft and a little scary” – we agree with all of these descriptions.

So, whether you’re three, 103, or somewhere in the middle, The Gruffalo’s Child is proof that sometimes defying your father’s warnings can lead to delightful adventures and a very entertaining night out. Of course at its core is the message that you should actually listen to your parents, and that cleverness and wit can often outsmart physical size and strength!

Let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and fun at The Gruffalo’s Child at Z-arts in early 2026. The show is 55 minutes long, perfect for families with kids aged 3+.