Riotous romp through a 
modern day
kids’ classic

The Gruffalo’s Child pulled in a packed audience at the Victoia Theatre, Halifax, for a wild and wacky Saturday morning date.

The stage adaptation of Julie Donaldson’s iconic children’s book tells the story of the bold young daughter of the mythical gruffalo who wants to go in search of the Big Bad Mouse, much to her dad’s horror.

She sneaks out of the cave while he sleeps and meets a studious owl giving flying lessons, a sequin-clad, Strictly-mad snake and of course the crafty fox on her journey through the deep, dark wood.

It was hard to imagine how the fairly short story would pan out to an hour’s entertainment but it did, with catchy sing-along tunes and high-tempo dancing that had everyone from tiny tots to grannies and grandads clapping along to the beat.

The cast of three made it feel mas though the wood was full of creatures great and small.

The hour-long performance was just right for little attention spans, and the ending was suitably scary when the big bad mouse finally shows up - or does he...

There was even face painting and story-telling before the show to get everyone in the mood.

It’s a colourful romp through a childhood favourite that brings to life some of the best-loved characters inchildren’s literature. An unmissable treat for under-fives everywhere.