The Gruffalo’s Child Live at the Rose Theatre, Kingston

February 21, 2016

As a final half-term treat we booked tickets to see The Gruffalo’s Child Live at the Rose Theatre in Kingston, South West London.

Little Button couldn’t wait to go on her first ever trip to the theatre and I have to admit that I was super excited too. Not only because this outing would hopefully mark the beginning of Little Buttons love for theatre, but also because Julia Donaldson is our absolute favourite children’s author.

In preparation for the big day we re-read the award-winning picture book ‘The Gruffalo’s Child’ by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler and talked about what we might see at the theatre. If you haven’t read the book yet (where have you been?!), it’s about the adventures of a curious little Gruffalo who goes into the woods in search of a mouse.

 

‘The Gruffalo said that no gruffalo should, ever set foot in the deep dark wood’

 

There is a fabulous trailer which I found really prepared Little Button for the show as you get to hear the main theme song ’Stick with me’ and see how the stage is set. She loved it so much that we had it on repeat a couple of days before going. I can’t get the song out of my head even now (in a good way)… now it’s plain to see, there’s a stick with me, and by your side’s my favourite place to be… hmmm hmmhmm.

 

 

The Rose Theatre in Kingston is very child friendly. We were greeted by a lovely lady handing out free programmes and Gruffalo’s Child stickers much to Little Buttons delight. Once inside, we headed to the theatre cafe and enjoyed drinks and ‘mouse biscuits’ delicious!

 

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3 Little Buttons Blog

I couldn’t help myself and ended up buying a Gruffalo’s Child flag and little ‘mouse’ soft toy, but you will be pleased to know that these were somewhat discreetly displayed and not forced onto unsuspecting parents.

‘The Gruffalo’s Child was feeling brave, so she tiptoed out of the gruffalo cave’

 

Once inside, we found the seating was brilliant in the stalls and we had clear views of the stage.

 

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‘Mouse’ gently starts the show and instantly draws you into the story. She acts as a fantastic narrator, setting the pace and quite possibly stealing the show! During the scary bits, Little Button kept checking to see ‘Mouse’s’ reaction. I could see she was then reassured that everything would be OK.

Awwww ‘Mouse’ you star!

Surprisingly there was only a cast of 3, however, the production felt full and brimming with life. I thought that the ‘Gruffalo’s Child’ character was a dynamic bundle of joy to watch and really captured the essence of the story.

 

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Little Button had an amazing time joining in with clapping and flapping. The interactive element helped to keep the little ones interested and by the end there were smiles all round.

 

I knew we had a winner when Little Button turned to me to whisper…I love it!

 

This production is aimed at 3 year olds and upwards. When did you first take your little one to the theatre and what did you see?

 

 

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17 responses to “The Gruffalo’s Child Live at the Rose Theatre, Kingston”

  1. Catherine says:

    The Gruffalo’s Child can be quite scary for some children but it sounds like Mouse did a great job of keeping things child friendly 🙂

    #triedtested

  2. Man vs. Pink says:

    I must admit that I love these books so much I struggle to like any adaptations – while the TV cartoon was fine in itself, it just didn’t feel like the story I loved reading so much, and I fear the same would happen with the stage show.

    • Annette says:

      The theatre production is different. It’s a more fleshed out version of the book, with songs. For us, it was a perfect theatre introduction for Little Button. Thanks for stopping by.

  3. Suburban Mum says:

    Ahhhh you were in my neck of the woods! I love the Rose Theatre! We missed this production but I took my eldest to see the Gruffalo a few years ago and he loved it. The Rose always has some great visiting shows. The last one we saw was Mister Popper’s Penguins. #BloggerClubUK

    • Annette says:

      I really love the theatre, it’s the first time we have been there. I will be keeping an eye out for other shows. It’s surrounded by great places to eat too! X

  4. We saw this too recently and my girls loved it (although struggled to concentrate throughout). Mouse certainly stole the show for us and the “Stick with Me” song well and truly stuck in our heads too. Glad Little Button enjoyed seeing the show too. #BloggerClubUK

    • Annette says:

      Glad they enjoyed it too! Little Button is still singing the ‘stick with me’ song, in fact just before bed I got a re-run of what she remember from the show with it. X

  5. This looks amazing! We love the books. I didn’t realise that they had made a theatre production, but then we’re up t’north so might have to wait for the tour. Looks like your little Button had a fantastic time xx

  6. We were lucky to be given tickets to The Gruffalo Live before Christmas and we loved it. It was probably our first office theatre show. We would have loved to see the London show. We may need to book in Cambridge. Thank you for sharing!

    • Annette says:

      Nice to hear you loved it too! I think it’s the same show on tour. Little Button has reeled off a whole list of things she wants to see… that’s Summer sorted then lol. X

  7. Colette says:

    Oh how fab! My husband took me to see The Gruffalo on stage about 6 yrs ago (we can’t even pretend it was for the kids as our eldest was only 5 months old haha)
    Thanks for sharing your review on #TriedTested this week x

  8. Aww what a fantastic first trip to the theatre for Little Button. The show looks and sounds like it was fab, I really wish we were able to take our little lady too -we love Julia Donaldson in our house too 🙂 Thanks for sharing it on #MarvMondays. Emily

    • Annette says:

      It’s great, but I would say it’s definitely a 3years plus show. There were lots of littler ones there, but in general about half way through you could see them getting restless. X

  9. Becky, Cuddle Fairy says:

    Ah isn’t that fantastic! Little Button looks delighted there. Oh I’d have to buy the little mouse & Gruffalo flat too. It’s good that they were being sold discretely though. Theatre is such a great thing for kids! I wish there was more local theatre where I live. Thanks so much for sharing with blogger club uk x

  10. Annette says:

    I love the theatre, so couldn’t wait to get Little Button in to one to see something. She was very taken by the show, and has been asking to see Room on a Broom, but it doesn’t look like it’s in the UK at the moment! Thanks for stopping by Xx

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