The Gruffalo’s Child

When you tell anyone you are off to see The Gruffalo’s Child by Julia Donaldson it is met with delightful musings and open displays of a story much revered. So how does this presentation hold up? It is just delightful! CDP’s production of Tall Stories’ magical musical adaptation of
The Gruffalo’s Child is suitable for the young and youngest at heart. The childhood favourite is launched from the page to the stage incorporating puppetry, dance, song and movement. This is a team that knows what it is doing and does it well. The result is engaging, colourful and captivating, just like the stories the world has loved for 20 years. 

The Gruffalo’s Child is a follow up to the original. In this tale we find the young Gruffalo setting off into the woods to find the Big Bad Mouse that her father has told her about. The fox, Owl and Snake are back and one by one outsmart the young Gruffalo. Drew Livingston is clearly enjoying himself playing all the predators and does it fabulously - each with their own distinct character. The children know it is all him but invest in each one like a familiar friend, clapping and cheering and singing along. Livingston is marvellous and the puppetry is simple, allowing for the quickest of costume changes. The audience is never bored with what is coming next, eagerly awaiting more opportunities to participate. 

Rebecca Rolle plays the rebellious child herself, sneaking away into the moonlight against the advice of her dad as he noisily snores (much to the delight of the kiddos) into an oblivious slumber. She is adventurous but still needs her favourite toy sticky as she confronts the predators. Rolle is an enjoyable Gruffalo child, young and full of fun and adventure but still portrays a vulnerable youngster evaluating her choices until she finally retreats to the safety of her home once more, perhaps realising there is some wisdom from dear old Dad. You could practically feel the parents in the room nudging their own youngsters to make sure the moral was not lost. 

The tale is narrated by Jessie Lancaster, who doubles as mouse and is clever at keeping the children engaged. The Gruffalo’s Child enraptured the young with gorgeous rhyme and repetitive structure. Accompanied by some wonderful songs, heed this warning - a couple will stick in your head (that is a clue), audience participation and a simple moving set forming the deep dark wood. 

Riverside Theatre in Parramatta plays host to this latest school holiday offering, and it is a lively modern venue in Western Sydney, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. On its doorstep the City of Parramatta is also enjoying festival activities with nearby streets offering pop up festival activities like hula hooping, face painting and balloon making - all free. 

Aimee’s review – 9 year old Aimee gave this one 9 stars - she loved the snoring Gruffalo and songs.

Nicole Smith

Photographer: Heidrun Lohr