It’s one of our favourite stories, not least because it’s about the little guy winning. All hail ‘the Big Bad Mouse’as Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning The Gruffalo’s Child is adapted from page to stage.
The scene is set for an epic adventure as the Gruffalo fills his daughter’s head with terrifying tales of his encounter with the Big Bad Mouse in the deep dark wood. He warns her not to venture into them lest she should meet his rodent foe. Of course, like most children, the Gruffalo’s Child takes her father‘s warning with a pinch of salt and armed with her toy Stick Man (a nod to another of Donaldson and Scheffler’s classics) sets off to find the mouse.
Photo: Heidrun Lohr
Musical numbers bring the story to life right from the beginning, while the interactions between the cunning narrator and the actors serve up great comedic entertainment that had the entire audience laughing out loud.
The fabulous characterisations of the wheeling and dealing Fox, the Military-trained Owl and the salsa-loving Snake that made us laugh in Tall Stories’ production of The Gruffalo are back to entertain us in this spectacular sequel. They are perhaps the highlight of the Gruffalo series in taking these traditional woodland creatures and giving them personality, flair and a wonderful sense of character.
Photos: Heidrun Lohr
The script retains Donaldson’s original prose though layers additional dialogue into the narrative to create a deeper sense of the emotions, goals and dynamics of the Gruffalo’s Child and those she comes into contact with. When she finally meets the mysterious and evasive Big Bad Mouse, the audience are right there with her in that moment of confusion, fear and adrenaline to power her right back to the safety of home and her sleeping parent.
Created for children aged 3 and over, my 3yo and his 6yo sister absolutely loved watching one of their favourite bedtime tales come to life. Utilising music, simple routines, an element of panto with audience participation and much humour, not to mention the fantastic costumes and set; The Gruffalo’s Child is a celebration of physical theatre and the story that inspired it.
Today is the last day of the Seymour Centre run, with shows at midday and 6pm this evening but never fear; The Gruffalo’s Child will also be playing on Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 November at The Concourse in Chatswood.
To book for the Seymour Centre:
Call 02 9351 7940 or book online here.
To book for The Concourse:
Call 02 8075 8111 (or Ticketek: 1300 795 012) or book online here.
What you need to know:
What: The Gruffalo’s Child
When: 5-7 November; 12-13 November
Where: Seymour Centre, Chippendale; The Concourse, Chatswood
Time: Wed 7 & Mon 12 Nov @ 12pm and 6pm; Tues 13 Nov @ 10am and 12pm
Duration: 55 minutes (no interval)
Tickets: $36 (single); $29 (Group 6+); $21 (School Group); $21 (Pre-School Group)
Photography & Filming: Strictly Prohibited
Getting There & Parking
The Seymour Centre, Chippendale
Getting to the Seymour Centre:
Parking: is available on-campus at the University of Sydney ($24 flat rate weekdays and $6 weekends) or in the Shepherd Street car park located on the corner of Cleveland and Shepherd Street. Access to the Seymour Centre is through level 3 of the car park. Make sure you have gold coins with you and note the machines do not give change Mon-Fri (6am-3pm) $4/hour (max $24), Mon-Fri (3pm-6am & weekends) $2/hour ($6 max).
*Theatre patrons can purchase an $8 all-day parking voucher for the Shepherd Street carpark when booking on the phone, in person or online with your ticket purchase.
Public transport: Plenty of bus routes run directly past the Seymour Centre, visit www.sydneybuses.info/ for more info. The closest train station is Redfern and Central Station is a 5 minute bus ride away. Visit www.cityrail.info.
The Concourse, Chatswood
Getting to The Concourse:
The Concourse, Chatswood is a 5 minute walk from Chatswood Station or there is the option of parking (max $8 weekend, entry on Archer Street).