Our Story

Based on the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler (described as ‘Romeo and Juliet with aliens and a happy ending’), the show previews at the Tall Stories Studio, before premiering at the Rose Theatre, Kingston, and touring the UK. ‘An uplifting performance – perfect family viewing.’ (BeyondTheCurtain)

Oscar Wilde’s gruesome ghost story, as reimagined by a charismatic compere and his extraordinary company: an illusionist, a comedian and a psychic. Playing in rep with ‘Wilde Creatures’, the show premieres at the Edinburgh Fringe. ‘Inventive, delightful and hilarious.’ (Scotsman)

A co-production with Nica Burns as part of Dominic Dromgoole’s year-long celebration of Oscar Wilde at London’s Vaudeville Theatre, the show runs over the Xmas 2017 season. Hauntingly beautiful tales told with original live music, imaginative storytelling and a generous dash of comedy. ‘More richly entertaining, resonant and heartening than many a grown-up show’ (The Times)

Travel backwards and forwards in time with Dominic as he frantically tries to fix things. Can he change the past and make his future perfect? The show plays at the Edinburgh Fringe and in London schools. ‘Funny and clever, this play has lots of big ideas about friendship, making mistakes and, of course, time travel… Absolutely brilliant.’ (Primary Times)

Alfie White is crazy about space. And his dad is training to be the first man on the moon. At least that’s what Alfie tells his schoolmates… Inspired by the music of the Malcolm Mitchell trio, the show plays the Edinburgh Fringe, receiving great reviews and audience feedback. ‘An original, well-crafted story that touches real human emotions’ (The Scotsman)

One evening, Emily Brown and her old grey rabbit Stanley hear a Thing crying outside their window. He just can’t get to sleep… Based on the book by Cressida Cowell and Neal Layton, the show tours the UK and is a sell-out and critical success at the Edinburgh Fringe, receiving four 5-star reviews! ‘A brilliant show: funny, touching, and completely satisfying’ (Edinburgh Guide)

Once upon a time in the future a little girl tells her inventor dad that she’s lonely. So her dad builds her a robot brother… Inspired by artificial intelligence and the science of robotics, and created in association with the University of Hertfordshire, the show tours the UK (including the Edinburgh Fringe) – to very positive reactions from audiences. ‘An engaging, laugh out loud, cracker of a show’ (Primary Times)

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s magical tale comes to the stage, showing the amazing journey of the tiny snail and the humpback whale – as seen through the eyes of an adventurous young girl and her seafaring father… The show tours the UK (including the Edinburgh Fringe) from March to December and now tours internationally to nearly a dozen countries. ‘A pleasure – ingenious and nattily staged’ (Guardian)

The story begins in a tiny snowy village, where a Latke, a fried potato pancake, is born screaming… This adaptation of the absurdly funny Lemony Snicket story plays at London’s Roundhouse over Christmas, co-produced by YAD Arts. ‘A wonderfully inventive take on the usual seasonal fare’ (Time Out)

When Mr Benn visits a particular fancy dress shop, he discovers a mysterious door that leads him into incredible adventures… Based on David McKee’s classic TV series, the show tours the UK, including the Edinburgh Fringe. ‘This lovingly staged adaptation delights a whole new generation of youngsters’ (The Herald)

Inspired by nursery rhymes and the Big Bang, and developed in association with the Royal Society, the show tours throughout 2010, spending August at the Edinburgh Fringe and Christmas at Chelsea Theatre. The show returns in December 2011, as the Christmas show at London’s Roundhouse, and tours the US in spring 2012. ‘An imaginative and entertaining intergalactic romp’ (Time Out)

Based on the much-loved book about a witch and her cat and a bunch of hitch-hiking animals, the show uses an innovative mix of actors and fantastic puppets. Previewing at the Old Town Hall in Hemel Hempstead and at Norden Farm Arts Centre in late 2008, the show now tours nationally to larger theatres and internationally to over half a dozen countries. ‘A truly theatrical feast that leaves both adults and children fully entertained.’ (The List)

An evolutionary adventure across the high seas, telling two stories by Rudyard Kipling and a brand new one inspired by Charles Darwin… A collaboration with the Natural History Museum inspired by the Darwin bicentenary, the show opens in April 2008, before starting a national tour, including a run at the Edinburgh Fringe. ‘Funny, engaging and wonderfully told’ (Three Weeks)

taying with his grumpy Grandpa for the first time, William tries to go to sleep in his spooky attic room. But there are musical monsters hiding in the walls… Following the Fringe, ‘Monster Hits’ (the show’s original title) tours nationally from October to December 2007, and to Singapore and Poland. It performs under the title ‘William’s Monsters’ at Chelsea Theatre for Christmas 2008. ‘A heart-meltingly spectacular show’ (Three Weeks)

A dark and spooky whodunit about Maud, a girl who hears monstrously scary noises at night and enlists the help of a mysterious young detective called Frieda… Following the Edinburgh Fringe, the show tours nationally in spring 2008. ‘A mysterious whodunit that keeps you hooked’ (The List)

No gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood. But one night the Gruffalo’s child ignores her father’s warning… Premiering at Polka Theatre in south London, the show now tours nationally to larger theatres and internationally to half a dozen countries, including runs in London’s West End, at Sydney Opera House and Hong Kong/Singapore. ‘Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 4 and up, and their adults… Perfect’ (Time Out)

Based on three little-known stories from the Brothers Grimm, this comical storytelling cabaret show premieres at ArtsDepot in Finchley, and performs at the 2007 Edinburgh Fringe 2007, presented by Serious Comedy. ‘A fun 50 minutes of Tom and Jerry-style slapstick and Morecambe and Wise-esque one-upmanship’ (The List)

The mythical Snow Dragon delivers presents on New Year’s Eve. But has Billy the goat been naughty or nice…? Based on an original story by co-director Toby Mitchell, the UK tour opens in April 2005 and performs at the Edinburgh Fringe. The show goes on to become the company’s second-longest running show, performing in eight countries around the world and playing in London’s West End twice – at Soho Theatre and St James Theatre. ‘If you are a kid, if you have kids, if you ever were a kid, go and see The Snow Dragon.’ (Three Weeks)

A couple of funny chaps tell two unlikely tales and one impossible one, improvised live from audience suggestions. It’s never the same show twice… A co-production with Network of Stuff Theatre, the show tours from April 2005 to December 2006, including a run at the Scottish International Children’s Festival. It returns for Christmas runs in 2009 and 2010. ‘This consummate family show is an absolute delight.’ (Three Weeks)

Based on the much-loved poem by Edward Lear, the show tours the UK for a full year, including a run at the Edinburgh Fringe. ‘A wonderful piece of children’s theatre’ (Edinburgh Evening News)

Emile sees the System as an egg. Can he beat it…? Translated by the company from Felicien Marceau’s French storytelling comedy, ‘The Egg’ plays to grown-ups at the Edinburgh Fringe. ‘Fresh, intriguing and funny’ (Big Issue)

One day Tom’s mum disappears and his dad tells him she’s been kidnapped by a monster. So Tom sets off on a quest… Based on an original story by co-director Toby Mitchell and created via workshops with schoolchildren in Barnet and other London boroughs, the show tours nationally in 2003 and 2004. ‘One of the most adventurous pieces of children’s theatre for some time…’ (Scotland on Sunday)

All alone in a small house on a windy hill lives Something Else. At least, that’s what everyone calls him. Then, all of a sudden, Something shows up… Adapted from the award-winning picture book by Kathryn Cave and Chris Riddell, the show tours the UK and performs at Soho Theatre over Christmas 2003. ‘Something Else is something very special indeed’ (The List)

Adapted from the now classic picture book, the original UK tour premieres at Chester Gateway, and sells out at the Edinburgh Fringe. ‘The Gruffalo’ goes on to become the company’s longest running show, performing at the National Theatre, the West End, the Scottish International Children’s Festival, on Broadway, at Sydney Opera House and in more than a dozen countries around the world. It is also filmed for DVD. ‘It is a rare treat to find a show that really is for all the family’ (Scotsman)

A darkly humorous version of the classic fairy tale, which goes back to the original story… Following the Edinburgh Fringe, this becomes the company’s first show to carry out major national and international tours, performing at the Barbican, the National, the Scottish International Children’s Festival and on Broadway. ‘The three actors use an inspired mix of mime and song in this strongly visual production’ (Scotsman)

An internet-based love story and thriller, the show plays the Edinburgh Fringe, then goes on to perform at London’s Etcetera Theatre. ‘A witty, lightly satirical look into the future’ (Ham&High)

A foolish miller tells a little lie to a greedy king – a lie that puts the life of the miller’s daughter in danger… After premiering at the Fringe, ‘Rumpelstiltskin’ embarks on a UK tour, as well as doing Christmas runs at the MacRobert Arts Centre in Stirling and the Lemon Tree in Aberdeen. ‘Clever, witty and inventive, you honestly don’t need to take a child to enjoy it.’ (The Scotsman)

A comedy about three female friends, the show performs at the Edinburgh Fringe and then at London’s Etcetera Theatre. ‘Three aspects of woman, channelled through three energetic and talented young actresses’ (Three Weeks)

A dark comedy about jealousy, written by James King. Following the Edinburgh Fringe, the show also performs at London’s Etcetera Theatre. ‘A superb production’ (NewsWatch)

Adapted directly from the best-loved dialogues in the Alice in Wonderland books, Lewis Carroll spins his stories to a delighted Alice… The show plays to full houses of all ages and receives great reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe, followed by a short tour. ‘A delicate and moving piece of beautifully acted theatre’ (Scotsman)

We meet the happy prince, the selfish princess and the lovesick student in this adaptation of three of Oscar Wilde’s classic stories… The show plays to full houses of all ages and receives critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe, followed by a run at the Bull Arts Centre, Barnet. ‘Three stories by Oscar Wilde are lovingly and sensitively presented’ (Scotsman)