Award-winning story The Gruffalo on NZ Stages in September

“This whimsical, imaginative show is pitched at just the right level ... clever storytelling ... enchanting characterisation ... a rare treat that really is for all the family” – The Scotsman

The West End production of the monster hit children’s tale The Gruffalo comes to New Zealand for very limited seasons in September.

Whether their favourite food is roasted fox, owl ice cream, scrambled snake or Gruffalo crumble, audiences eat up this delectable tale about the adventures of a clever little mouse in a forest full of predators.

The Gruffalo opens at the Opera House, Wellington on Saturday 4 September for three shows only, before heading to the TSB Showplace in New Plymouth on Monday 6 September, Tauranga’s Baycourt Theatre on Wednesday 8 September, the Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna, Auckland on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 September, Clarence St Theatre in Hamilton on Monday 13 September and TelstraClear Pacific in Manukau on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 September.

London’s Tall Stories Theatre Company have toured in Britain, Europe, America and beyond with this transformation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved story and the show has been an even bigger hit in Australia, with sold-out seasons and a prestigious 2009 Sydney Theatre Award for Best Production for Children.

Adapted from the Gold Award-winning children's book, The Gruffalo follows Mouse into the deep dark wood on a lunchtime hunt for hazelnuts. Armed with just a nut map and a very vivid imagination, Mouse runs into the smirking, wheeler-dealer Fox; an eccentric, retired Woodland Air Force General Owl; and the maraca-shaking, party animal Snake.

Rather than becoming the main course of their next meal, Mouse kills their appetites with stories of an imaginary monster friend. Little does this clever critter know but Mouse will have to escape the jaws of this faux protector as well.

In a production that has become the toast of London’s West End, Tall Stories vibrantly reinvents this delightful tale through its signature style of bold, multifaceted storytelling.

This triumphant trio of performers fill the forest with colourful characters and toe tapping, sing-along songs capturing the magic of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s adored modern classic

“The cast of three bring the story to wonderful life ... an irresistibly charming tale told with refreshing simplicity” – The Times (London)

"funny, charming and smart... brings the house down" – Sydney Morning Herald

The Gruffalo is at the Opera House, Wellington on Saturday 4 September; TSB Showplace, New Plymouth on Monday 6 September; Baycourt Theatre, Tauranga on Wednesday 8 September; Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna, Auckland on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 September; Clarence St Theatre, Hamilton on Monday 13 September and TelstraClear Pacific, Manukau, Auckland on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 September.

For bookings or more information visit www.gruffalo.co.nz