Theatre May.qxp_Layout 1 21/04/2022 09:23 Page 10
Theatre
Theatre for younger audiences...
The Gruffalo Brierley Hill Civic Hall, Sun 1 & Mon 2 May: Swan Theatre, Worcester, Tues 24 & Wed 25 May; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Fri 1 & Sat 2 July
With millions of copies of the book having been sold, it's fair to say that Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's award-winning Gruffalo has captured the hearts and minds of children everywhere. Presenting songs, laughs and ‘monstrous’ fun for children aged three and upwards, this much-loved stage version of the terrific tale follows Mouse as he heads out on a journey through the deep dark wood, scaring away hungry animals with tall stories of the terrifying Gruffalo. Imagine his surprise, then, when he suddenly finds himself coming face-to-face with the very creature he's imagined!
Billionaire Boy Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 5 - Sun 8 May; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Wed 1 Sun 5 June
families to Molly's sixth birthday party. The celebration comes complete with ‘a terrific treasure hunt, all your favourite singalong songs and lots of fantastic games to play’.
The always excellent Birmingham Stage Company make a welcome return with this clever and lively production. For those unfamiliar with David Walliams’ original book, Billionaire Boy tells the tale of how Mr Spud made and lost his money, and how his son, Joe, became the richest boy in the world.
Oi Frog & Friends Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Fri 13 & Sat 14 May; Birmingham Hippodrome, Sat 21 - Sun 29 May
I Spy With My Little Eye
Fifty-five minutes of frog-focused fun is the name of the game when this award-winning stage adaptation of Kes Gray & Jim Field’s bestselling series of picture books stops off in the Midlands. Expect ‘songs, puppets, laughs and more rhymes than you can shake a chime at’, as a new day at Sittingbottom school begins...
Zog And The Flying Doctors Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 25 & Thurs 26 May; Birmingham Town Hall, Tues 23 - Sun 28 August
With previous shows having included Tiddler And Other Terrific Tales, Tabby McTat and the first Zog story, it’s fair to say that Freckle Productions know a thing or two about presenting stage adaptations of Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler stories... This brand-new show finds Zog providing an air-ambulance service with the assistance of his ‘flying doctor’ crew, Princess Pearl and Sir Gadabout. But Pearl’s uncle, the king, doesn’t believe that princesses should be doctors, and before too long she finds herself locked up in the castle and once again forced to wear a crown and a ‘silly frilly dress’. Needless to say, help is soon at hand...
Twirlywoos
Tamworth Assembly Rooms, Sat 28 May; Stourport Civic Hall, Sun 5 June
Albany Theatre, Coventry, Sat 14 May; Brierley Hill Civic Hall, Sun 15 May; Malvern Theatres, Tues 17 & Wed 18 May
If you’re familiar with Steven Lee’s previous work - including Don't Dribble On The Dragon and How The Koala Learnt To Hug - you’ll surely want to take your little ones to see this brand-new stage version of his latest picture book. Presented by The People's Theatre Company, I Spy With My Little Eye sees Molly and Bingo the Puppy-Dog inviting youngsters and their
This theatrical adventure for younger audiences comes from the producers of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show and Sarah And Duck Live. Expect mischief, music and delightful puppets. whatsonlive.co.uk 33
