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The Brighton Magazine

Selected Brighton Magazine Article

Thursday 26 August 2010


Chocs Away! The Gruffalo Was A Late Summer Thrill @ Theatre Royal Brighton

A fox in a hacking jacket, a sleazy snake with the maracas and the gold lame jacket, and a WW1 fighter - owl shouting 'Chocs away!' - where else would you think to find all this except in The Gruffalo, at the Theatre Royal Brighton this week.

Of course the main issue to look at with any attempt to convert a book into a play is 'does it work on stage?'

Well, the simple and joyous fact of this matter is that it does and with great style.

Smart gags, slick timing, great (really great for kids theatre) set, a cast who at least look as if they are enjoying themselves and some strong songs all add up to a really professional effort and an enjoyable experience.



My son Joe, who is five years old, said that his favourite bit was 'when the Gruffalo came' the snake was 'so funny 'cos he looks like a rock star!' and the fox was 'mad.' All in all he loved it, joining in with the songs and chants and paying full attention for the whole hour.

They even sell little cuddly Gruffalos in the foyer for £8.00 - Ahhhhhhhhhh!

I got suckered into buying one, but then I always was an easy touch.

This show does the usual, it takes the original story and adds a few songs, a few extra scenes and a few gags but it does it with great aplomb.


For info on all future Theatre Royal Brighton shows visit www.ambassadortickets.com/Theatre-Royal-Brighton



by: Howard Young (Arts Editor)

The Gruffalo Cast Await Review!

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