Julia Donaldson Theatre Shows in London
Julia Donaldson is one of the UK’s most beloved children’s authors and has published over 184 illustrated kids’ books (often collaborating with artist Axel Scheffler). Donaldson was the Children’s Laureate from 2011-2013 and is Britain’s best-selling author! Many of her rhyming children’s books have been turned into musicals for kids, and are the perfect introduction to theatre for little ones.
If you want to take your family along to see Julia Donaldson theatre shows in London, browse our list of productions currently booking, and major past productions below. If your ultimate fave isn’t currently on stage right now, you can set an alert to be notified when it returns – just bear in mind that future productions usually feature a different cast and may have a different venue or creative team from those past productions we’ve listed here.
The Gruffalo
Take a stroll in the deep dark woods, but be careful of what you might find there… Mouse embarks on a journey through the forest, where she tricks the hungry Fox, Owl and Snake by telling them the story of the terrifying Gruffalo. But is he really just a story? This musical adaptation is by Tall Stories Theatre Company, who have adapted many of Donaldson’s other books. Arguably Donaldson’s best-known work, The Gruffalo has also been adapted for the BBC as an animated film, and has spawned two sequel books.
Age Recommendation: Best for age 3+.
When to See: Usually plays over the summer holidays. The Gruffalo is currently running until the 6 September 2026 at the Lyric Theatre.
Room on the Broom
Room on the Broom is one of Donaldson’s most popular books, and this Olivier Award-winning stage adaptation by Tall Stories is equally as popular, having returned to London five times since its premiere in 2008! A witch and her cat soar home through the night sky, but soon they pick up a few hitchhikers… As a dog, bird and frog all climb aboard, the broom begins to get crowded. And as they approach a giant dragon, disaster strikes! This charming musical adventure has spellbinding puppetry, catchy tunes and a big sprinkling of theatre magic.
Age Recommendation: Best for age 3+.
When to See: Usually plays over the Christmas period. This show is currently booking at the Lyric Theatre from November 27 2026 to January 3 2027.
Stick Man
Stick Man’s morning isn’t going quite to plan! When the little wooden man goes for a jog, he’s chased by a dog, then a swan tries to make a nest with him, and he even narrowly escapes from a fire! Will he make it safely through the forest and back to his family tree? The show is adapted by award-winning theatre company Freckle Productions, and features funky dance moves, breathtaking puppetry, plenty of audience participation and songs that will really “stick” with you!
Age Recommendation: Suitable for all ages.
When to See: Usually plays over the Festive Period. Stick Man is scheduled to play at the Bloomsbury Theatre from December 3 2026 to January 3 2027.
A Squash and a Squeeze
This charming play is based on the first-ever collaboration by Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, who has illustrated the majority of Donaldson’s books. A Squash and a Squeeze tells the story of a little old lady who feels her house is too small. When her cottage is overrun by more and more wild animals, it becomes even more of a squeeze. This adaptation is by an Olivier-winning creative team, and features inventive puppetry and catchy tunes.
Age Recommendation: Best for ages 3-8.
When to See: Usually plays at Christmas.
The Smartest Giant in Town
George the Giant is sick of being a little bit scruffy, so he buys a brand new outfit! Feeling dapper in his smart new suit, George takes a stroll through town. But soon the animals who live in the village need his help, and George will do anything to assist – including giving them the clothes off his back, and one by one he must shed his shiny new clothing! This delightful musical adaptation from Little Angel Theatre features puppetry, stunning sets and toe-tapping tunes.
Age Recommendation: Best for age 2+.
When to See: Usually plays over the Christmas holidays.
The Snail and the Whale
In Olivier Award-winning Tall Stories’ adaptation of this sea-faring musical adventure, featuring stunning sets and lots of audience participation, the picture book is reimagined as a story told by a father and daughter. When a tiny snail hitches a ride on the back of an enormous whale, the unlikely pair embark on an amazing adventure across the ocean. But when the whale gets beached, will his slow, slimy and small friend be able to save the day?
Age Recommendation: Best for age 4+.
When to See: Usually plays over the festive period
The Gruffalo’s Child
Adapted by Olivier winners Tall Stories, this sequel to Donaldson’s beloved book follows the Gruffalo’s daughter, who ignores the stories her father tells her about the Big Bad Mouse and ventures off into the woods alone one day. In the forest she meets various wild and wonderful creatures, and follows a mysterious set of snowy footprints. The Big Bad Mouse can’t be real, can he? This playful adventure flips the story from the first book on its head, and is filled with engaging songs, plenty of giggles and some (age-appropriately) scary moments!
Age Recommendation: Best for age 3+.
When to See: Usually plays over Christmas.
Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book
Full of stories within stories, eye-catching visuals and catchy songs, this charming children’s show follows Charlie, who loves to read, and his sister who thinks books are boring! Determined to convince his sister otherwise, Charlie takes her on a journey through his favourite book, where they meet a cast of characters who love to read, including a pirate who is reading about Goldilocks, Goldilocks who is reading about a knight, and so on!
Age Recommendation: Best for age 3+.
When to See: Usually plays over the Christmas holidays.
What the Ladybird Heard
A plucky ladybird saves the day in this colourful, puppet-filled, musical adaptation. When Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len plan on stealing the farmer’s prized cow, they dont bank on a little bug overhearing their sneaky plotting. Will the ladybird be able to foil the villains’ nasty plan with the help of her farmyard friends?
Age Recommendation: Best for age 3+.
When to See: Usually plays over the summer holidays.
The Scarecrows’ Wedding
This warm and witty children’s show, adapted by Scamp Theatre, follows Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay, two perfect scarecrows who have the perfect relationship. But as their wedding day approaches, Harry must leave the farm to collect an item to make the ceremony as special as possible, and smooth-talking Reginald Rake sets his eyes on Betty. As chaos ensues on the farm, Harry races back to rescue his love. Will he save the day or will he run out of time? Featuring music and lots of laughs, this quirky romance has also been adapted as a BBC animation.
Age Recommendation: Best for age 3+.
When to See: Usually plays in summer, during the summer holidays.
The Smeds and the Smoos
Award-winning theatre company Tall Stories adapt this heartwarming story all about love and acceptance despite differences. On a faraway planet live the Smeds (who are red) and the Smoos (who are blue) – and it is forbidden for them to be friends. But when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love, they fly off into space to escape the judgement of their families. Will they ever return and find acceptance? This intergalactic adventure features joyous music and out-of-this-world puppetry.
Age Recommendation: Best for age 3+.
When to See: Usually plays over the summer holidays
What Are Julia Donaldson’s Most Famous Stage Shows?
Julia Donaldson’s most famous works are Room on the Broom, Stick Man and, of course, The Gruffalo! The Gruffalo is probably Donaldson’s best-known and most beloved work, and it also has two sequel books: The Gruffalo’s Child and, most recently, Gruffalo Granny, which has yet to be developed for stage.
When Are Julia Donaldson Theatre Shows On in London?
When Julia Donaldson plays theatre shows staged varies, but as the productions are aimed at children, they are most frequently programmed during the Summer, Christmas or Easter holidays. Shows usually run in the mornings and early afternoon.
What Are The Run Times of Julia Donaldson Theatre Shows?
Most kids’ musicals are short, with a run time between 45 minutes to an hour, generally without an interval.
What Ages Are Julia Donaldson Shows Suitable For?
Julia Donaldson theatre shows are generally suitable for the whole family, though some shows are best for toddlers aged 3+, as younger children may struggle to follow the story. Each theatre also has its own rules for babes in arms, which are generally available for children under 18 months or 12 months.
Children aged 16 and under must always be sat with and accompanied by an adult over the age of 18.
What Else Can I See If I Like Julia Donaldson Live Shows?
There are plenty of kids’ shows in London available to book if your little ones are budding theatregoers! Check out our kids theatre page to see all the latest family-friendly shows.
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