Lyric theatre, Shaftsbury Avenue – until 8 September 2019
Reviewed by Alex Sykes
5*****
Most people dread going to the theatre when the audience is mainly small children but The Gruffalo is worth the trip.
Currently on at the Lyric theatre, The Gruffalo tells the story of a mouse (Rebbeca Newman) on the hunt for a nut to eat which is hidden in the deep dark woods. Along the way she meets a fox, an owl and a snake (all played by Jake Addley), all who want to eat the mouse. The mouse manages to convince the animals not to eat her as she is actually on her way to meet the Gruffalo, whom she describes to each animal in turn. All is well for the mouse, until she meets the Gruffalo.
A special mention must be given to Elliot Rodriguez who not only narrated the show but plays the Gruffalo as well.
The set is fun, with the fox hole, the owls tree and the snakes log pile all there for the children to see and recognise from the book and with a bit of imagination the ponds and rivers are there as well. The set works well to cover any traces of Thriller which is on in the evenings. The costumes also work well, with Addley having a basic outfit to which different accessories are used to become either the fox, the owl or the snake.
With lots of catchy songs, an amazing set and lots of audience participation, this is a fun show for all the family.