HOLDEN & ARTS ASSOCIATES
SHARING STORIES AND CREATING PARTNERSHIPS SINCE 1983
THE GRUFFALO'S CHILD
A musical adaptation of the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Produced by Tall Stories
From London, England
The Gruffalo said that no Gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood…
Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the night. She follows snowy tracks and encounters all sorts of woodland creatures, including a debonair snake, eccentric owl and a cunning fox. But the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist, does he? And what will the Gruffalo’s Child do when she finds him?
Three performers use Tall Stories’ distinctive style of physical storytelling combined with humor and catchy original music to create this lively performance. A wonderful follow-up to the original Gruffalo production but also perfect for anyone new to the deep dark wood… Join the Gruffalo’s Child on her brave adventure and let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and scary fun for everyone!
The Gruffalo’s Child © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 2004 – Macmillan Children’s Books
Resources
About the Company
Best for Grades: PreK - 3rd
Audience Size: Medium to Large Venues
Please contact us to watch a full length archival recording.
Curriculum Connections
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Fine Arts: Music, Drama, Storytelling
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Language Arts: Reading, Rhyming, Vocabulary
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Science: Animals, the environment
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Emotional/Social Development: Role Playing, Problem Solving, Imagination, Self Esteem, Bravery, Imagination, Self-Awareness, Social Awareness, Self Management
Outreach and Workshops
With advance notice, Tall Stories can offer additional workshop or outreach opportunities and pre/post performance events. Possible activities include:
Tall Stories present Small Stories
Tall Stories present a workshop, which looks at some of the ways they use to tell stories in their shows. Find out how to create a story in pictures, how to create a character using your body – and then tell your own story in small groups. The workshop is a fast-moving, enjoyable introduction to storytelling in theatre – using games, freeze frames and well-known tales. Lots of fun – dress in loose clothes!
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Duration: 1 hour
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Max no of pupils: Ideally 20
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Age suitability: Suitable for 5 to 8 year olds. (Teacher must be present)
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Room: A clear, self contained room large enough for the number of participants and preferably not the theatre space itself.
“Relaxed” or “Sensory Friendly” Performances
Tall Stories is committed to providing opportunities for all families to be able to attend the theatre. This production may be offered as “Relaxed” or “Sensory Friendly” performance for families and children with special needs. Sensory Friendly performances are designed to provide an opportunity for people and children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders or related disorders, learning difficulties, or other sensory and communication needs who require a more relaxed environment. Tall Stories frequently holds Sensory Friendly performances, signed/audio described performances, pre-show touch tours, and more.
If you are interested in or planning on organizing a performance of this sort for ‘The Gruffalo's Child’ we would be delighted to work with you on it, provided we know about this request well in advance. We can provide a sample visual guide to the story for Sensory Performances and discuss any other aids that would be useful. There may be small changes to the show such as to the lighting and sound.
Minimum Technical Requirements
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Load In Time: Four hours (pre-rig required.)
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Crew Needs: 4 crew members - not students or volunteers. 1 crew member to operate either light or sound during show.
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Min. Stage Size: 20’ wide x 20’ deep, 12’ high.
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Sound Needs: All sound will be operated via Q lab. If venue is over 250 seats we will require 4 wireless mics. 2 monitor speakers placed in the Downstage corners of the stage. FOH sound op position required.
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Load Out Time: 1 hours
Artistic Team
Director: Olivia Jacobs
Creative producer: Toby Mitchell
Designer: Isla Shaw
Lighting Designer: James Whiteside
Puppet Designers: Yvonne Stone with Polly Laurence
Musical and Lyrics: Jon Fiber and Andy Shaw
Choreography: Morag Cross
Scenic Construction: KW Props
Costume Supervisor: Martin Rodges
Puppet Construction Assistant: Vikki King
Additional Lyrics: Jon Fiber, Andy Shaw and Olivia Jacobs
Additional Lyrics on ‘I Could Sell the Sunshine’: Robin Price
Music production: Jon Fiber and Andy Shaw for JollyGoodTunes
Additional musicians:
Bass guitar: Ben Epstein Drums: Tom Meadows Fiddle: Pete Cooper
Touring Cast: TBA
Critical Acclaim
“The Gruffalo’s Child is a rare treat – an endearing and funny production that both children and their grown-ups can enjoy” - Cambridge News
"One catchy tune follows another, as the talented cast drive the show along with unremitting gusto. Above all, The Gruffalo’s Child is fun, easy to follow and captivating for young wandering minds – in short, everything good children’s theatre should be.” - The List
“A lovely show, warm, witty and beautifully made. I think it will be a fantastic family favorite.” - LondonTheatre1
“Tall Stories sets the benchmark for children’s theatre.”- Sunday Times
“Tall Stories serve up quality children’s theatre that’s guaranteed to entertain” - The List
Company Background
Past Tours include: The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child, Snail and the Whale, Emily Brown and the Thing, Wilde Creatures, and Room on the Broom
Tall Stories is a registered charity which tours the UK and the world with its exciting blend of storytelling theatre, catchy music and lots of laughs.
Founded in 1997 by Olivia Jacobs and Toby Mitchell, Tall Stories shows have played in the West End, on Broadway and at the Sydney Opera House, as well as all sorts of venues and countries in between.
Tall Stories creates opportunities for everyone to get involved with theatre. The company offers accessible relaxed performances (often with integrated BSL) and provides free shows and experiences, helping to remove barriers that might otherwise prevent families from getting involved. From its studio base in Islington, London, Tall Stories nurtures new creatives and performers, whilst also delivering community events and projects.
For more information, please visit the company's website: http://www.tallstories.org.uk/
Gallery of Past Productions
