Tall Stories know a thing or two about adapting Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s books for the stage. This is their fourth one and there is a gentleness about their production – and a lovely sense of enfolding the young audience into the action – that does Donaldson’s mesmerising works great justice. The dramaturgy isn’t perfect (too much filler!) but this is my son Benji’s first visit to a proper theatre and, other than a few lapses in concentration, he has a wonderful time.
The director, Toby Mitchell, and the designer, Barney George, have pitched the atmosphere and visuals really well. The Smeds and the Smoos and their barmy planet is conjured up with a few choice props; a jaggedy jiggly plant here and a purple sprouting flower there. It is all very impressive, but never overwhelming. The use of narrators (Tom Capper is particularly engaging) helps to echo the intimacy of the bedtime story routine – only everything is just that bit bigger and brighter, with a few jolly songs thrown in for good measure.
