Review: The Gruffalo's Child by Julia Donaldson brought to life at The Lowry, Salford Quays

Adapted from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning picture book, this production courtesy of Tall Stories sees an energetic cast of three bring the follow-up to the iconic original book to the stage in glorious fashion.

Starring Harriet Waters as the eponymous hero in search of a ‘Big Bad Mouse’, children will love this version of the familiar tale which followed the adventures of the off-spring of Donaldson’s now famous creation.

You cannot go wrong with a Julia Donaldson tale – in my opinion the best British children’s author since Roald Dahl – whose stories are wonderfully complemented by the artistic creations of Axel Scheffler – and in this stage version given a further polish by Tall Stories.

Harriet is joined on stage by the the talented Maxwell Tyler who effortlessly takes on the very different roles of Snake, Owl, Fox and of course the orginal Gruffalo.

Maxwell is superb and hilarious, perfectly capturing the multitudinous creatures, each with a different but very British accent. Samuel Tracy as the Mouse and narrator completed the cast who performed in perfect synergy and breathless energy, to the delight of the very young audience my two children and I were part of.

Julia Donaldson books are an integral part of our bedtime routine and it was heartwarming to see my five and three-year-old transfixed by the trio who brought the take to life on the stage.

Naturally, a short picture book wouldn’t last very long in a straight adaptation on the stage and so it was pleasing to see and hear it embellished with a wonderful array of perfect songs and delightful dance, as complementary as Scheffler’s drawings.

A perfect tale for three to 103 year-olds with just the right blend of fun and frights, families should grab some owl ice cream, scrambled snake ad roasted fox to accompany this delightful tale showing at the The Lowry’s Quays Theatre until Sunday, April 7th.

For more information visit https://thelowry.com/whats-on/the-gruffalos-child/