The Gruffalo celebrates 25 Years with a major UK tour, West End run and new community projects

Based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning picture book, our adaptation of The Gruffalo has become one of the most popular family productions of the last quarter-century. Since premiering in 2001 as a small Fringe production, our show has grown into a family favourite, travelling to 18 countries, being translated into seven languages, and welcoming over 3 million audience members – with 37 actors having donned the Gruffalo’s purple prickles along the way.

A major anniversary tour and summer in the West End

The anniversary celebrations begin with a national UK tour from March to November 2026, visiting more than 30 venues, including a summer run at the Lyric Theatre in London’s West End from 17 July to 6 September.

Directed by Olivia Jacobs (co-founder of Tall Stories), the show continues to evolve with each new cast, blending humour, music and the Tall Stories sense of fun and play. Audiences will enjoy a fresh take on Mouse’s adventure through the deep dark wood, with the lively music and physical storytelling that have defined the show for a generation.

New ways to share the story: hospital live streams

As part of the anniversary programme, The Gruffalo will be live streamed from Lowry in Salford into children’s hospitals across the UK. In partnership with Lowry and Read for Good, the initiative ensures that children who are unable to attend the theatre in person can still experience the show, with special keepsakes and interactive elements designed to engage and excite.

A free outdoor adventure for Early Years audiences

Tall Stories is also launching The Gruffalo: A Mouse and his House, a new outdoor storytelling experience in partnership with Bright Start Islington. This free, 30-minute adventure invites families to explore outdoor stay and plays while engaging with nature-themed theatre, songs and reading activities. The project supports early years development and encourages creative engagement with the outdoors.

Honouring a modern classic

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler have voiced their enthusiasm for this milestone year, celebrating how the story has found extra life on stage for a quarter of a century. Their picture book remains one of the most cherished in children’s literature, and the anniversary highlights how strongly young audiences still connect with its themes of courage, curiosity and imagination. Julia said the “live stage show is such a special experience for children” while Axel described it as “the perfect introduction to the experience of live theatre”.

Looking ahead

As we mark this anniversary, Tall Stories as a charity continues its mission to make theatre accessible, joyful and adventurous for all families. With new creative projects, expanded outreach and a refreshed touring production, The Gruffalo begins its next chapter as one of the most enduring family shows of the modern era, sparking the imaginations of many more young theatregoers. Here’s to the next 25 years!

Tour dates and booking information: tallstories.org.uk/the-gruffalo