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The Gruffalo - Reviews and feedback THE TIMES **** In this devised piece for children aged three and over, directed by Olivia Jacobs for Tall Stories, Mouse ventures into the forest in search of nuts. Along the way, the little rodent is accosted by ravenous predators. So Mouse invents an imaginary friend - a huge, monstrous beast called the Gruffalo. And each time the foe is scared off, until the mouse is suddenly confronted by a creature that looks horribly like its own invention. The cast of three uses an expressive physicality and minimal props to bring the story to wonderful life. Alice Parsloe is a sweetly scampering mouse, screwing up her pretty face in fear or confusion. Felix Hayes is an agile storyteller and, later, transformed by the production's only full costume, a dull-witted, likeable and rather lonely Gruffalo, covered in fur, horns and claws and with a poisonous pimple on his nose. Naughty-faced Tom Warwick, meanwhile, clearly relishes all his roles as Mouse's adversaries, the most entertaining of which is a mustachioed Mexican rattlesnake, with maracas. "They call me Joaquim," he declares with a sinuous wiggle of his hips. "I come into a room and they say, 'There's that snake - whack 'eem!' " It's been said that one of the reasons the Teletubbies, with their singsong refrain of "again, again!", are such a success is that young children love repetition. The Gruffalo works a similar magic. Each time Mouse outwits an enemy, the same catchphrase - "Doesn't he know? There's no such thing as a Gruffalo" - and the same musical motifs recur. As the pattern builds and becomes increasingly familiar, the children's delight grows. Ivan Unwin's idyllic set looks like a page from a picture book, and the gently witty songs keep the action bouncing along. This is an irresistibly charming tale told with refreshing simplicity. Watch out, Tinky Winky and co - you have got some serious competition. (Sam Marlowe) THE SCOTSMAN ***** As Mouse ventures through her scary habitat in search of an elusive nut, she encounters all manner of creatures who have her in mind for lunch. Mouse's tale of the imagined Gruffalo suitably scares them off, but every child in the audience knows that Mouse herself is in for a big surprise as dreams turn into reality. This whimsical, imaginative show is pitched at just the right level for three to seven-year-olds, as well as the "ugly big ones" they have brought along with them. There are songs, laughter and fun for an age group too often neglected or patronised by current offerings. The trio who inhabit each character mix clever storytelling for the target audience with one-liners for those who have forked out for the tickets. As Mouse encounters each potential predator, she also finds enchanting characterisation, both verbally and musically. From the spivvy, dancing fox to the just-scary-enough Gruffalo himself, this show is an absolute delight. The actors from Tall Stories have created a minimal land with just enough audience participation for older children, and the right amount of original story recognition to spark the interest of little ones. It is a rare treat to find a show that really is for all the family, but this is one which cannot be commended enough for its spot-on achievements. (Linda Watson Brown) THE LIST (*****) SUNDAY HERALD (****) TIME OUT (top five children's shows of 2001)
If you have any comments on our shows, please e-mail us (see Contact page). I just wanted to let you know how much my two children and I enjoyed the Gruffalo at Guildford's Mill Studio today. It was a very professional and thoroughly enjoyable performance which had us all laughing for hours after we left the studio. I will be singing your praises to all my friends! Hello. We went to see The Gruffalo today at The Bull Barnet. My children (3 & 5) loved it and so did mum and dad! The acting of all three was excellent, the music very catchy and I was impressed how you had embellished the script. Well done and good luck with any future shows! Dear Tall Stories Saw the production in Brighton - superb, energetic, committed theatre. Knocks spots off any panto and much enjoyed by all. Congratulations and thanks. |
