English
English
1 hr
4.7
Chloe Martin United Kingdom
From the moment we were welcomed to the theatre, the staff were friendly and smiley. This feels so rare nowadays and I commented to my husband how friendly everyone seemed.
There were boosters for children ready at the sides- it wasn't a faff and this just made it feel calm and organised.
The show itself was spectacular. The perfect length for little ones (mine was 4). I thought the cast were exceptional. I loved how they personified the book characters with inside jokes for adults and children. It had the right amount of interaction- it didn't feel like a panto but kept the children entertained just when they may have started to get restless.
My whole family loved this show and we will definitely look out for more by the company in the future- thank you!
The Gruffalo
DURATION
CLOSING DATE
Until September 6, 2026
AGE LIMIT
Suitable for 3+ yrs
from
£12.50
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AboutVenueTicketsReviews
Why watch The Gruffalo?
- Julia Donaldson's beloved Gruffalo returns to the stage in a delightful musical adventure, perfect for your kids’ first outing to the theatre.
- The Gruffalo, based on the beloved book that has sold millions of copies, comes alive in a production that The Scotsman called an "absolute delight."
- Julia Donaldson is also beloved for works like Room on the Broom and Stick Man and has been named the UK's Children's Laureate.
- Playing a strictly limited run at The Lyric Theatre, don't miss your chance to celebrate the triumph of cleverness over strength with your family!
Get ready for an unforgettable introduction to live theater with The Gruffalo! Based on the award-winning children's book by Julia Donaldson, this strictly limited run is directed by Olivia Jacobs, co-founder of Tall Stories and Toby Mitchell. The production company is known for bringing Donaldson's works for kids to the West End, Broadway, and the Sydney Opera House. With music by Jon Fiber and Andy Shaw and lyrics by Donaldson, The Gruffalo brings rhythm to the story with songs that both children and adults will enjoy. Book tickets for The Gruffalo in London to tap your feet to classics like Funny Face Song, Searching, and more.
Storyline
Picture this: a little mouse ventures into the deep dark wood for hazelnuts. But beware! The forest is filled with hungry creatures – a sly fox, a wise old owl, and a sneaky snake. Will the mouse become a midnight snack? He has a cunning plan – a completely fabricated monster called the Gruffalo, with terrifying tusks and a fearsome appetite. Will this imaginary creature be enough to outwit the real predators? Book your tickets to The Gruffalo in London and find out if the tiny hero's clever invention saves the day – and maybe even sparks a new friendship in the heart of the deep dark wood!
Show timings
Show timings for The Gruffalo may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & crew
- Director: Olivia Jacobs and Toby Mitchell
- Book: Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Note: Producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.
Top songs
The lyrics, penned by Julie Donaldson herself, capture the playful spirit and humor of the original book. From the foot-tapping The Gruffalo Song to the heartwarming We're Off to See the Gruffalo, the music adds a delightful dimension to this family-friendly production.
Age & content guide
- This show is recommended for ages 3 and above.
- Please keep in mind that London theatres do not have an age classification organization. This means that all age recommendations are subjective. Please use your judgment while purchasing tickets for any show.
Lyric Theatre Read more
Lyric Theatre is the second-oldest surviving theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, having premiered countless productions since 1888. Once a haven for light operas and musicals, it's maintained a healthy dose of theatrical magic, showcasing everything from cutting-edge contemporary pieces to beloved family classics. Previous renowned productions at the theatre include Hadestown, The Dance of Death, and Andrew Lloyd Webber's By Jeeves.
The Lyric Theatre seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theatre.
Getting there
Address: Lyric Theatre, 29 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 7ES, UK
Tube: The theatre is walking distance from Piccadilly Circus station (Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines).
Bus: The following bus numbers pass through the Lyric Theatre - 14, 19, 38, and 176.
Train: Charing Cross and Liverpool Street Station are the nearest train stations to the Lyric Theatre, both of which are a short walk away.
Facilities & accessibility
Available facilities: bar, cloakroom, Restrooms
Accessibility: guide dogs allowed, Wheelchair accessibility, assistive listening system, accessible toilets
Additional information
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.
Tickets redemption
- You’ll get an instant email confirmation right after you book your tickets.
- Enjoy a hassle-free entrance to the venue by showing your mobile ticket and a valid photo ID – no printout necessary!
Cancellation & refunds
- Tickets cannot be refunded, amended, or rescheduled.
Ratings & reviews
4.7
40 ratings
31
7
2
0
0
Chloe
Jul 2026Verified booking
From the moment we were welcomed to the theatre, the staff were friendly and smiley. This feels so rare nowadays and I commented to my husband how friendly everyone seemed. There were boosters for children ready at the sides- it wasn't a faff and this just made it feel calm and organised. The show itself was spectacular. The perfect length for little ones (mine was 4). I thought the cast were exceptional. I loved how they personified the book characters with inside jokes for adults and children. It had the right amount of interaction- it didn't feel like a panto but kept the children entertained just when they may have started to get restless. My whole family loved this show and we will definitely look out for more by the company in the future- thank you!
Amit
Aug 2026Verified booking
What made The Gruffalo performance unforgettable was the combination of funny acting, colourful costumes, music and audience participation. The actors brought the Mouse, Fox, Owl, Snake and Gruffalo to life in a lively and entertaining way. I especially enjoyed how the audience could join in and react to what was happening on stage. The moment when the Gruffalo appeared was exciting and surprising, which made the performance feel magical and memorable.
Virginia
Jul 2026Verified booking
The actors were perfectly cast for this show. The Gruffalo costuming was not scary for a 4 year old. I had been concerned about that before we attended. We loved the ability for the children in the audience to be interactive, which helped to keep their attention. My granddaughter is quite shy & she was actually comfortable joining in some with the interaction. And most of all, she has been talking nonstop about it, and "when can we go back"! Thank you for a great experience!
Jessica
Jul 2026Verified booking
Show was great, highly engaging for kids and the organization and service at the theatre was excellent. Only negative of the experience was that I did not receive my tickets by email even though I confirmed twice, so I had to arrive early to get them. It took very little time to get them but it meant adding some extra time to my morning planning so this was a minor inconvenience.
Valerie
Jul 2026Verified booking
It was really great. We loved the performance. Great 1st experience for my granddaughter. Didn't get the etickets as planned to we had to head to London without the tickets and get it sorted at the theatre box office. I sent an email to the email provided with booking confirmation but I was told they couldn't help me with the etickets.
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Frequently asked questions about The Gruffalo
How much do tickets to The Gruffalo cost in London?
The cost of tickets will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
What age is The Gruffalo appropriate for?
The show is most suitable for children aged 3 and above.
Where is The Gruffalo playing in London?
The show is playing at The Lyric Theatre in London and opens on 17th July 2024.
What is The Gruffalo about?
Based on the award-winning children's book by Julia Donaldson, this musical follows a brave little mouse on an adventure through the woods, using his wits and a made-up monster to outsmart hungry predators.
How long does The Gruffalo run for?
The running time of the show is 1 hour with no interval.