Julia Donaldson News

The Detective Dog returns to the stage as Tiny and Tall Productions celebrates the 10th anniversary of Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie’s children’s book. Designed with Deaf and hard of hearing audiences at its core, the touring production blends puppetry, music, and accessible storytelling.

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's much-loved story Zog will fly back onto the stage for a major UK and Ireland tour this year, followed by a special summer season at London's Cadogan Hall.

Little Angel Theatre has received a £38,400 grant from the Wolfson Foundation to create a new street-facing workshop in Islington. The project will support puppetry training, marionette conservation, and public engagement as the theatre marks its 65th anniversary.

New visiting shows for 2026 at Scarborough's Stephen Joseph Theatre have been revealed! The lineup includes The Gruffalo, the much-loved magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler and more.

Birmingham Hippodrome has announced a line-up of new productions on sale for 2026.  New shows include Miss Saigon, Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man, Sylvia, Cats and Blood Brothers.

Queen's Theatre Hornchurch has announced its programme for Spring 2026 and beyond featuring in-house produced work and newly revitalised initiatives to nurture local emerging artists.

EastEnders and Strictly star Rose Ayling-Ellis will head for Storyhouse next week as part of the 2025 WayWord Festival. The annual October half term festival for children.

Sir Michael Palin has voiced his support for artsdepot as part of its anniversary programming, which blends new comedy, theatre, family shows and 'matinee meet-ups' that could help combat loneliness. Learn more!

Little Bulb have announced the cast for their Early Years' Christmas production Antarctica, presented by Bristol Old Vic, in a revival of the magical polar adventure for the bravest young explorers.

Take a trip into the deep, dark wood with the Orchestra and Conductor Monica Chen! Based on the beloved books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child tell the tales of a clever little mouse and his encounters with a fearsome monster.

It’s not often that villains are the stars of children’s shows, but Freckle Productions’ adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s The Baddies gleefully flips the script. At Cadogan Hall, this wickedly silly romp delivers a charming, high-energy musical, which keeps its youngest audience members giggling, while slipping in theatrical polish to keep the grown-ups engaged.

Performed at the Lyric Theatre, The Smeds and the Smoos is a delightful theatrical treat for families, delivering a charming adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved book.

Adapted from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning picture book, Tall Stories’ much loved ‘The Gruffalo’s Child’ has been busy preparing for her next adventure in the West End with an all-new cast.

Little Angel Theatre has revealed a vibrant new season for Autumn/ Winter 2025 with the return of some beloved classics both in Islington and on the road. See the full lineup here!

Bristol Old Vic has announced a flurry of extra shows for Winter/Spring alongside classic summer family work – now on sale. Learn more about the lineup here!

Leeds Playhouse has revealed a medley of productions running from Autumn/Winter 2025-26 including a striking new production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.

The Olivier Award-nominated stage adaptation of The Smeds and The Smoos, based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, is set to return to the West End this summer. Produced by Tall Stories Theatre Company, the show will run at the Lyric Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue from 18 July to 7 September 2025.

125 Live!, Perth Theatre and Concert Hall's anniversary street party will get the autumn season off to a spectacular start this September. Learn more about the season here!

The brand-new stage adaptation of The Baddies, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's hugely successful 2022 story, heads to the Corn Exchange Newbury. Learn more here!

This Easter, the Corn Exchange Newbury and The Base Greenham are bringing a spectacular line-up of family-friendly entertainment, offering plenty to do this school holiday.