CDP Theatre Producers, The Gruffalo

ABOUT

CDP presents Tall Stories' production of

THE GRUFFALO

based on the award winning picture book by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler


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A mouse took a stroll through the deep, dark wood ...

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


THE CAST

December 2023 Australian Tour



Nina Carcione

NINA CARCIONE - Mouse

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 is thrilled to be making her touring debut with CDP Theatre Producers in The Gruffalo.

 

Tom Gustard

TOM GUSTARD – Predators

Tom is a graduate of WAAPA’s music theatre course, completing his BA in 2017. Most recently, Tom was cast as Boris for a workshop and filming of the brand new stage adaptation of Fergus Ferry: The Musical. Tom has also recently toured NSW as part of Children’s Book Week 2023 in Way Too Cool.

Tom was seen in WTC’s production of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert as Adam/Felicia. In 2022 Tom was fortunate enough to appear in Packemin’s production of Kinky Boots as one of The Angels.

Stage credits whilst at WAAPA include; Kurt Kelly in Heathers: The Musical, Mary Sunshine in Chicago, Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Oscar in 42nd Street as well as being featured in both RENT and Bring It On: The Musical.

Tom is thrilled to be joining the cast of The Gruffalo to bring this fun and exciting story to life!



Jake Tyler

JAKE TYLER - Gruffalo / Narrator

As a graduate of the Australian Institute of Music, Jake is a multifaceted artist whose varied live performance experience has seen him perform alongside American composer John Bucchino and perform with international star Adele in her most recent Australian tour. From roles in internationally touring musicals such as Cats The Musical New Zealand Tour to performances with Opera Australia, Australian Shakespeare Company and the The Tap Pack, Jake has shared his velvet voice and unique talent at urban music festivals and iconic venues like the Opera House and is equally at home in both.

Jake has performed on multiple cruise lines as a production guest entertainer and was a part of the original Australian cast of The Deb performed at ATYP. Last year, Jake was seen directing Heathers: The Musical at ARA Darling Quarter Theatre in which was nominated for a Broadway World Award for Best Direction. Most recently, Jake was cast as George in the original Australian cast of Fergus Ferry: The Musical. He released his debut single The Golden Age, which is available on all streaming platforms and will be releasing his debut EP very soon.

Jake is thrilled to be making his CDP debut, portraying the gentle giant of the Gruffalo!





Understudies

Hannah Wood, Isabella Forte, Alec Steedman



CREATIVES


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



CREW

Company Stage Manager: Elliot Glass
Assistant Stage Manager: Emily Tighe

REVIEWS


" an exuberant, funny show. Top five children’s shows of 2001 "

Time Out

" funny, charming and smart...brings the house down "

Sydney Morning Herald

" songs and delicious asides for grown-ups...fun for all the family, particularly those with a sense of humour. "

Stagenoise

" While your children are having a whale of a time at The Gruffalo, you will too. "

Courier Mail

" Beg, borrow or steal tickets. Your kids will love you for it. "

Stage Whispers

" the cast of three bring the story to wonderful life... This is an irresistibly charming tale told with refreshing simplicity "

The Times (London)

" his whimsical, imaginative show is pitched at just the right level for three to seven-year- olds, as well as the big ones they have brought along with them...clever storytelling... enchanting characterisation... a rare treat that really is for all the family "

The Scotsman

" an absolute peach of a show "

The List

" monstrous fun...sparks the young imagination..hugely popular...enthralling entertainment "

London Sunday Herald

ACCESS


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.


Visual 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.

TOP

BOOK TICKETS




2023/2024 TOUR DATES



NSW

Chatswood

2 – 4 October 2023
The Concourse
BOOKINGS: www.theconcourse.com.au or phone (02) 8075 8111





QLD

Brisbane

SUMMER SEASON
14 – 16 December 2023
QUT Gardens Theatre
BOOKINGS: www.humanitix.com





SA

Adelaide

SUMMER SEASON
19 - 23 December 2023
Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre
BOOKINGS: www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au or Phone 131 246