Children's favourite The Gruffalo to get spell in spotlight at Perth Concert Hall

Based on the book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, the performances take place at the Mill Street venue on October 12 and 13

A fun-filled production of children’s favourite ‘The Gruffalo’ is set to delight audiences at Perth Concert Hall next month.

Based on the book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, the performances take place at the Mill Street venue on October 12 and 13.

Directed by Toby Mitchell, Tall Stories’ magical, musical, adaptation sees Mouse undertake a daring adventure through a deep, dark, wood.

Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the high-spirited Snake as songs, laughs and fun for children aged three or older ensue.

The title character is played by David Scotland, who is originally from Stirling and moved to London to study dance and theatre performance at Bird College.

Since graduating, David has performed in theatres in the West End, throughout the UK and abroad.

‘The Gruffalo’ was first published in 1999.

Regarding 25th anniversary celebrations, author Donaldson said: “It’s hard to believe that the Gruffalo is a quarter of a century old.

“Nowadays it’s not all that unusual for parents to tell me that they remember the book being read to them.

“Although that makes me feel rather old, it’s actually great to know that families all over the world are sharing the story, and grown-ups reading aloud are putting on different voices to entertain their children.

“I’ve been assured that the Gruffalo is a Brummie and Australian, and that the Mouse is from Edinburgh and Sweden.

“I never tire of acting the Mouse myself, and over the years have recited the lines in French, German, Italian and Spanish.

“Last year at the Edinburgh Fringe I learnt to tell the story in British Sign Language and it was lovely after the show when parents told me their deaf children had enjoyed the performance.

“So I wish not just the Gruffalo and the Mouse but the three predators – Fox, Owl and Snake – a very happy birthday.”

Illustrator Scheffler added: “The Gruffalo and the Mouse have come a long way in the last 25 years and it is hard for me to imagine all the children and families around the world who regularly read the story, often in their own language.

“When I first read Julia’s story and did the first sketches we had no idea what ‘The Gruffalo’ would become and how many young readers would read and love the picture book in the following years.

“It is always a great pleasure for me to meet children at my signings and to hear how much they love the Gruffalo and his world.

“In one form or another, ‘The Gruffalo’ is a large part of their day, as the characters have moved from the books and onto the TV, stage and with various merchandise.

“The Gruffalo is a big part of their daily lives, as he is in mine!”

See www.perththeatreandconcerthall.com for ticket information.

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