A stellar Olivier Award-nominated show based on the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Soar into space in 2025 with this joyful tale of star-crossed aliens.
Following an extremely successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Tall Stories’ production of The Smeds and The Smoos will be flying their blue and red rockets into the Lyric Theatre this summer for a limited run.
The Smeds and The Smoos tells the story of two rival groups of aliens living on a far-off planet: the Smeds (who are red) and the Smoos (who are blue). The two groups mistrust each other, and the children are told to never play with one another. So, when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back?
The production is based on ‘The Smeds and The Smoos’ award-winning picture book which was the winner of the prestigious British Book Award 2020 – Children’s Book of the Year (Illustrated and Non-fiction). Published by Alison Green Books (an imprint of Scholastic) in September 2019, it was the best-selling new picture book of that year. It went on to become the number one bestselling picture book of 2020 in paperback too. It has been translated into 23 languages. Praise includes: ‘a book for our time’ (BBC Radio 2), ‘the most exciting book yet from the creator of The Gruffalo’ (The Sun), ‘a timely tale of tolerance that’s fun to read aloud’ (Daily Express) and ‘the perfect, inspirational story for a troubled world’ (Lancashire Evening Post).
Directed by Tall Stories’ co-founder, Toby Mitchell, The Smeds and The Smoos was nominated for a prestigious Olivier Award for Best Family Show in 2024. The production explores important themes of acceptance, understanding differences, friendship and disrupting stereotypes in a fun and engaging way that resonates with young audiences.
Julia Donaldson said: “I loved the show – the brilliantly alien set and lighting, the energetic acting and the wonderful puppets. My favourite was the Lurgle!”
Axel Scheffler said: “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!”
This production has music, laughs, puppetry and interplanetary adventures for everyone aged 3 and up! Adapted by Tall Stories, the company that brought you The Gruffalo and The Snail and the Whale live on stage, audiences can expect joy, jam and jumping!
Press Quotes
“Magnificent…a tour-de-force family show.” ★★★★★One4Review
“Enchanting and incredibly engaging… a beautiful adaptation.” ★★★★★ EdinburghFestivalsForKids.com
“Catchy songs, good gags and interactive action.” ★★★★ The Scotsman
“Perfect family viewing.” ★★★★★ Beyond the Curtain
“One of the most entertaining Julia Donaldson adaptations – a magical journey to a colourful and imaginative array of weird and wonderful planets” whatsworthseeing.com ★★★★
‘Tall Stories sets the benchmark for children’s theatre’ (Sunday Times)
Tickets from £10, on sale now!
Website: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-smeds-and-the-smoos-2025/
Running Time: 1 hour no interval
Age Recommendation: 3+
Dates: 18th July 2025 – 7th September 2025
Location: Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue
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