Latest news with #TallStories
Time Out
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
The Smeds and The Smoos
This review is from 2023. Kids' theatre company Tall Stories has been touring its stage version of 'The Gruffalo' for over 20 years now – it's almost the same age as Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's iconic picture book. Though the company has dipped its toes in other waters, there's no denying that it has found a niche: the other shows in its current repertoire are a version of 'Gruffalo' sequel 'The Gruffalo's Child' (returning to the West End this Christmas!), plus Donaldson and Scheffler's much-loved 'The Snail and the Whale' and 'The Smeds and the Smoos'. Directed by Toby Mitchell, latest show 'The Smeds…' has been knocking around in touring form for a year or so but finally makes its West End debut this summer. And it's very charming, in a predictable way. Tall Stories is ruthlessly efficient at the whole 'take a bedtime story that you can read in five minutes and stretch it to an hour' thing. An opening reference to '2001: A Space Odyssey' is a hoot, there are some nice songs from John Fiber and Andy Shaw, and Barney George's sets and Yvonne Stone's puppets do a decent job of channelling Scheffler's eccentric, cuddly vision of space, as feuding tribes of aliens – the red Smeds and the blue Smoos – set out on a galactic odyssey to find their youngsters Bill and Janet, who have eloped together. Though it can't really compete in visual pizazz with the BBC's recent animated version, it is pretty much a faultless exercise in modestly budgeted kids' stage adaptation. Personally, I can't help but wish Tall Stories demonstrated a bit more audacity: their take is very much What You Expect, and the Kubrick gag at the start is basically as off-piste as it gets. But it absolutely does the trick: kids who love the book will surely love the play, and if you were already considering taking your little ones to 'The Smeds and the Smoos', you absolutely should.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Hawke's Bay Roars For More: Extra Show Added For The Gruffalo At Toitoi This July
Blink and you'll miss it—tickets for The Gruffalo are vanishing faster than you can shout, 'Oh help! Oh no! It's a Gruffalo!' In response to overwhelming demand, Toitoi – Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre is thrilled to announce a fourth performance of the beloved show, set for 2pm on Friday, 4 July. The internationally acclaimed production, based on the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, has captivated audiences around the world—from London's West End to Broadway. Now, in a rare treat for New Zealand families, this international hit will grace just two cities on its tour: Auckland and Hastings. That makes Toitoi the only regional venue to welcome this theatrical gem. 'We knew The Gruffalo would charm Hawke's Bay, but the demand has exceeded all expectations' says Glen Pickering, Toitoi's Presenter Services Manager. 'When international productions see how enthusiastically our community embraces world-class theatre, it puts Toitoi—and Hawke's Bay—firmly on the map. High-selling seasons like this one help us attract even more exceptional shows from around the globe to our region.' Presented by Tall Stories and CDP Theatre Producers, The Gruffalo brings the enchanting tale of a clever mouse and his imagined monster friend to life with sing-along songs, colourful characters, and vibrant staging. With all three existing performances down to the last few seats, the additional matinee is expected to sell quickly. Tickets for the new 2pm Friday performance are available now at and from the Hastings and Havelock North isites.
Daily Record
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Stirling arts venue unveils wide ranging new programme
The Macrobert line up features live performances, cinema, a dementia based festival and a Julia Donaldson favourite. Macrobert Arts Centre has unveiled an eclectic lineup of live performances and event cinema for its summer/winter 2025 season. The Stirling multi-arts venue will showcase a wide range of genres and disciplines as part of a varied and vibrant programme. Autumn 2025 will see Deepness' Dementia Arts Festival come to Macrobert in its third year, a week-long celebration of creativity from artists living with dementia. Combining powerful music, theatre, poetry, film and art, the festival showcases the resilience and creativity of the dementia community and pushes back against stigma and stereotypes. A beloved Julia Donaldson story is coming to the Macrobert stage this October. Olivier-nominated The Smeds and the Smoos comes from Tall Stories, the company which has also produced Donaldson's The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom. Spot's Birthday Party will be at Macrobert this July for the perfect summer holiday activity for families, with an engaging and interactive adaptation of Eric Hill's classic picture book, featuring songs and integrated Makaton. Also featured in the new programme are several thought-provoking pieces of theatre. Black is the Color of My Voice is a stunning one-woman show about the life of iconic musician Nina Simone, written by and starring Apphia Campbell. Piaf Revisited sees renowned Scottish songwriter Christine Bovill take audiences through the turbulent life of Edith Piaf, intertwining her story with Bovill's personal journey. Curated and presented by Macrobert, Central Scotland Documentary Festival (CSDF) is set to return for another bumper edition in 2025. The festival showcases the power of the non-fiction genre in shining a light on untold stories and changing the hearts and minds of audiences. In addition to screenings, CSDF25 will offer industry panels and masterclasses, providing invaluable opportunities to emerging talent. Ed Robson, Artistic Director and CEO of Macrobert Arts Centre said: 'We're looking forward to welcoming audiences to Macrobert for this eclectic and vibrant season of terrific new shows. 'With award-winning acclaimed productions such as Black is the Color of My Voice and firm favourites like Piaf Revisited, this season guarantees audiences great artists and great nights out right here in the Forth Valley. 'This autumn, Macrobert's proud to be the home for the Scottish Dementia Arts Festival 2025, which celebrates the creativity and vision of those living with dementia. 'This year's Central Scotland Documentary Festival builds on the success of previous years with the most expansive edition yet welcoming films and filmmakers from across the world. 'There's something for everyone at Macrobert this season and we can't wait to see you here.' To check out the full programme, visit:
