English
English
55 min with no interval
4.2
Andreea DimitriuUnited Kingdom
The show was lovely and the lids very engaged. The ticketing experience has been smooth and easy.
The Gruffalo’s Child
DURATION
CLOSING DATE
Until January 7, 2024
AGE LIMIT
Suitable for 3+ yrs
from
£12.50
AboutVenueTicketsReviews
Why watch The Gruffalo’s Child?
- 'The Gruffalo's Child', an enthralling theatrical adaptation of Julia Donaldson's award-winning children's book, is coming to captivate audiences in London this winter.
- Touted as the new favourite by critics, the show merges wholesome family entertainment with warmth and humour. And just in time for Christmas, too!
- With the help of skilled puppeteers, the talented cast brings the mysterious creatures of the forest to life, successfully capturing the imagination of its viewers.
- Book your tickets to The Gruffalo’s Child and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime with the much-awaited sequel of the bestselling picture book turned musical of The Gruffalo.
Based on the bestselling 2004 sequel to The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler won the 2005 Children’s Book of the Year award and has since been adapted by the acclaimed Tall Stories theatre company for stage audiences worldwide. Directed by Tall Stories co‑founder Olivia Jacobs and featuring Joe Lindley (Gruffalo/Predators), Hannah Miller (Gruffalo’s Child) and Sabrina Simohamed (Narrator/Mouse), this West End production delivers playful storytelling through original music, puppetry, and direct audience interaction. Book your The Gruffalo's Child tickets for a show that is “warm, witty and beautifully made… a fantastic family favourite”
Storyline
'The Gruffalo's Child' tells the adventurous tale of a young Gruffalo who, disregarding her father's warning, braves the deep dark wood to find the Big Bad Mouse. The story transports you to a snowy landscape where she meets a variety of enchanting creatures. Throughout her journey, she is constantly questioning whether the Big Bad Mouse exists or if it's just a tale spun by her father. This delightful narrative is full of suspense and laughter.
Show timings
Show timings for The Gruffalo’s Child may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & crew
- Leading roles: Joe Lindley as The Gruffalo / Predators, Hannah Miller as The Gruffalo’s Child, Sabrina Simohamed as The Mouse
- Director: Olivia Jacobs
- Writer: Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
- Producer: Tall Stories Theatre Company
Note: Producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.
Top songs
Tune in to the original score for The Gruffalo’s Child by René Aubry.
Age & content guide
- Suitable for 3+, however, babies and younger children will also be allowed entry.
- 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.
Garrick Theatre Read more
Lyric Theatre is a Grade II listed West End house on Shaftesbury Avenue, designed by architect C. J. Phipps and opened on 17 December 1888. It's the oldest surviving theatre on the avenue and seats approximately 915 across four levels (stalls, dress, grand circle, balcony). Over the decades, it has hosted musicals like Irma La Douce, Blood Brothers, Hadestown, as well as celebrated plays and opera.
Lyric Theatre Seating Plan will help you find the best seats in the theatre.
Getting there
Address: 29 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 7ES, United Kingdom
Tube: The nearest tube stations are Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly Line) and Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly Lines)
Bus: Bus lines servicing the area include 12, 14, 19, 38 (Shaftesbury Avenue); 6, 15, 23, 88, 93, 139, 159, 453 (Regent Street)
Facilities & accessibility
Available facilities: elevator, restrooms, bar, cloakroom, cafe, gift shop, air conditioning, bag check
Accessibility: wheelchair spaces available, access performances, wheelchair accessible, assistive listening devices, guide dogs allowed, hearing assistance, accessible restrooms, audio description, accessible elevator
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
4.2
66 ratings
33
20
10
2
1
Andreea
Dec 2023Verified booking
The show was lovely and the lids very engaged. The ticketing experience has been smooth and easy.
Nuala
Jan 2024Verified booking
The Gruffalo's Child was a popular concept for the children I brought. The show was not as engaging as I would have liked for this age group and was too short.
Mrs
Dec 2023Verified booking
My grandsons favourite book so was a great treat for Christmas! He loved it!!! Would be nice if theatre could have more booster seats as he had to sit on my lap for the whole show
Martin
Dec 2023Verified booking
Ticketing fine. Staff very helpful. Excellent that booster seats were available. The actors were exuberant and put lots of energy into the performance. Compared to other shows by the same company (eg Smeds and Smoos last year) it wasn't quite as compelling - perhaps too much talking and not quite enough action which meant that the attention of kids in the audience lapsed for parts of the town. But our four year old granddaughter had a good time as did we!
Eloise
Dec 2023Verified booking
The experience was amazing, very nice theater, good actors, lovely background sets but too many babies were crying so it was impossibke to ear the show properly.
More reads
Frequently asked questions about The Gruffalo’s Child
What age is the show appropriate for?
It’s recommended for children aged 3 and up; babies under 18 months may attend free as a “babes‑in‑arms” ticket, but most children aged 18 months or older require their own paid seat.
Where is The Gruffalo’s Child playing and what are the 2025 dates?
The production runs at the Lyric Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7ES, from Friday 28 November 2025 through Sunday 11 January 2026.
How long is the performance and is there an interval?
It runs for approximately 55–60 minutes with no interval, making it a perfect choice for younger audiences.
What isThe Gruffalo’s Child about?
On a cold night in the snowy deep dark wood, the Gruffalo’s bold young daughter ignores her father’s warnings and sets out to find the mythical Big Bad Mouse, meeting a fox, an owl, and a snake along the way—yet the mouse may be more clever than she expects.
What music and songs are featured?
The show features original score by René Aubry, including the playful theme “The Big Bad Mouse”, and gentle lullaby-style tunes woven through the narrative.
Who stars in the 2025 production and who is in the creative team?
The cast includes Joe Lindley as the Gruffalo and predators, Hannah Miller as the Gruffalo’s Child, Sabrina Simohamed as Narrator/Mouse, and Robin Harris as Understudy. It’s directed by Olivia Jacobs, based on the writing of Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler, and produced by Tall Stories Theatre Company
Do I need to buy a ticket for every child?
Yes, any child aged 18 months or older needs a paid ticket, even if they sit on a parent’s lap. Under 18 months may sit free with a complimentary babes‑in‑arms ticket.
Can I bring snacks or drinks into the auditorium?
Only sealed water bottles are allowed. Outside food and drink are not permitted, but snacks purchased inside, in plastic containers, may be consumed.
Is photography or filming allowed?
No—photographs, video and audio recording are prohibited during performances. You may take photos in the foyer before the show begins.
Access performances include audio-described, BSL-interpreted, and relaxed/autism-friendly performances (often with Touch Tours beforehand). Wheelchair spaces and companion seats are available.
What facilities are available at the Lyric Theatre?
The venue offers bars on each level, a cloakroom for buggies or bags, restrooms (including an accessible unisex toilet at Dress Circle level), booster cushions for children on request, and complimentary binocular hire.
When should I arrive before the show starts?
Doors typically open around 45 minutes before curtain-up; arriving 30–45 minutes early helps families settle, store bags or pushchairs, collect tickets, and enjoy any audience participation moments.
Can I exchange or cancel my tickets if plans change?
Tickets are non-refundable, but exchanges may be possible up to 48 hours before the performance, subject to availability and within the same price band.
What is the dress code for attending the show?
There’s no formal dress code, smart casual is typical. Layers are recommended as the auditorium can feel cool. Bring something that’s comfortable and helps little ones move freely.
Are assistance dogs allowed?
Yes. Registered assistance dogs are welcome. Please notify the box office in advance. Staff can arrange short dog-sitting if needed during non‑activity moments