CDP presents Tall Stories' production of
based on the award winning picture book by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler
After sell-out seasons across the world, including London’s West End & Broadway, The Gruffalo returns to Australia.
Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in this magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the party mad Snake. Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these hungry woodland creatures? After all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there?
Songs, laughs and scary fun!
Age recommendation: 3+ and their adults
Duration: Approximately 55mins, no interval
The Gruffalo © Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler 1999 – Macmillan Children's Books
Raised in Fremantle, Western Australia, Nina is a 2021 graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University (Bachelor of Music Theatre), and a 2017 graduate of Brent Street (Diploma of Music Theatre). Notable roles from her time at QCGU include Jan in Grease at QPAC (dir. Alister Smith), and Dance Captain/Serena in Legally Blonde (dir. Penny Farrow).
Nina starred in the Hayes Theatre Company/Neglected Musicals 2022 production of Brigadoon in the role of Maggie (dir. Shaun Rennie), and has recently finished up on Fergus Ferry: The Musical (dir. Liesel Baddorek). She is represented by Aran Michael Management and has been a proud member of Actor’s Equity since 2021.
Nina made her touring debut with CDP Theatre Producers in The Gruffalo in 2023, and she has since performed in CDP's Australian tour of Room on the Broom.
A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts Musical Theatre program, Alec is a multidisciplinary artist who works as an actor, singer, multi-instrumentalist, musical director and composer.
As a composer, Alec has most recently penned the original score and musically directed for Queensland Theatre's critically acclaimed season of As You Like It at the Bille Brown Theatre. Other composition credits include Much Ado About Nothing for Artefact Theatre Co, One Hour No Oil for KXT, As You Like It for Sport for Jove and the new original musical Silver Tongue which is currently being developed with support from the Hayes Theatre Company, Antipodes Theatre Company and was a proud top 5 finalist in the APRA Music Theatre Professional Development Awards in 2023.
Alec is also an up and coming musical director in the Sydney theatre scene with credits on exciting shows such as Once (Darlinghurst Theatre Company & Black Swan State Theatre) and A Little Night Music (Hayes Theatre Co). In their downtime, Alec can also be found in the band room, playing Violin for shows such as Young Frankenstein and A Little Night Music (Hayes Theatre).
Jake Tyler, an alumnus of the Australian Institute of Music, is a dynamic performer with an extensive career. He’s shared the stage with music icons like Adele during her Australian tour and American composer John Bucchino. His credits include starring in the New Zealand tour of Cats The Musical, as well as performances with Opera Australia, the Australian Shakespeare Company, and The Tap Pack.
Jake has performed at the Sydney Opera House and urban music festivals, and has been a guest entertainer on multiple cruise lines. He originated the role of George in Fergus Ferry The Musical Live as well being cast in the original Australian production of Rebel Wilson and Hannah Riley's The Deb at ATYP, he then went on and toured as the gentle giant in CDP’s The Gruffalo.
Recently, he received a Broadway World Award nomination for directing Heathers The Musical at the ARA Darling Quarter Theatre. Jake’s debut EP, The Golden Age Project, co-written and co-produced with artist Tuscan, is available on all platforms.
Jake is thrilled to be back, heading into the deep dark wood and taking The Gruffalo internationally.
Adaptation by Tall Stories Theatre Company
Olivia Jacobs & Toby Mitchell, artistic directors
Produced in Australia and New Zealand by CDP Kids
Original Direction: Olivia Jacobs
Creative Producer: Toby Mitchell
Musical Director: Jon Fiber
Music and lyrics: Jon Fiber, Robin Price, Olivia Jacobs, Andy Shaw
Music production: Jon Fiber and Andy Shaw for Shock Productions
Choreography: Morag Cross
Associate Director (Australia): Liesel Badorrek
Designer: Isla Shaw
Original Lighting Design: James Whiteside
Company Stage Manager: Emily Phillips
Deputy Stage Manager: Emily Tighe
Photo credit: 2021 Australian Cast. Photos by Peter Wallis.
Time Out
Sydney Morning Herald
Stagenoise
Courier Mail
Stage Whispers
The Times (London)
The Scotsman
The List
London Sunday Herald
We believe in making our shows accessible for children with additional sensory and learning needs.
A visual story is available for The Gruffalo to help you prepare for your visit to the theatre.
DOWNLOAD VISUAL STORY Accessible performances may be available at some venues. Please check with your local venue for details.
For additional online resources to extend the theatre experience, visit CDP Digital.
Teachers and registered homeschoolers can also access education activities and resources at CDP Education.
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