Theatre News

The Smeds and The Smoos to run in the West End this summer

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s popular children’s book will be brought to life on the London stage

The Smeds and The Smoos are heading to the West End!

The latest production by Tall Stories (The Gruffalo, The Snail and the Whale) is directed by company co-founder Toby Mitchell and stars Felicia Akin-Tayo (as Janet), Tom Capper (as Grandfather Smed), Robert Penny (as Bill) and Andrea Sadler (as Grandmother Smoo). Grace Liston serves as both understudy and assistant stage manager. 

The stage show is adapted from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning book about two rival groups of aliens and is recommended for young theatregoers from the age of three.

Donaldson said: “I loved the show – the brilliantly alien set and lighting, the energetic acting and the wonderful puppets. My favourite was the Lurgle!”

Scheffler added: “It was lovely to find out a lot more about the life of the Smeds and the Smoos and all the other life forms on their far away planets in this delightful play by the Tall Stories team. Space travel for the whole family – at its best!”

Following its UK tour, The Smeds and The Smoos will run at the Lyric Theatre from 20 July to 3 September 2023.

Tickets are on sale here.