The Smartest Giant in Town to run in West End this Christmas alongside new tour dates

Fierylight and Little Angel Theatre’s musical adaptation of The Smartest Giant in Town is to run in the West End this Christmas.

The show will run at St Martin’s Theatre from 30 November 2022 to 1 January 2023, becoming the first production ever to play in tandem with The Mousetrap which has run at the theatre since 1974.

Adapted from the classic story by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the acclaimed production has also announced new UK tour dates.

The production will visit Perth Theatre from 12 October 2022, followed by Lanark Memorial Hall, Leicester Curve, Liverpool Playhouse, Brierley Hill Civic Hall, Newport Live, Southend Palace Theatre, Radlett Arts Centre, Cider Mill Chipping Campden, The Maltings, Berwick-upon-Tweed and Tunbridge Wells Trinity Theatre.

George wishes he wasn’t the scruffiest giant in town. So when he sees a new shop selling giant-sized clothes, he decides it’s time for a new look: smart trousers, smart shirt, stripy tie, shiny shoes. Now he’s the smartest giant in town . . . until he bumps into some animals who desperately need his help – and his clothes!

The Smartest Giant in Town has been adapted and directed for the stage by Little Angel artistic director Samantha Lane and award-winning musician Barb Jungr, who has also composed new music for the production. Set and costumes are designed by Kate Bunce, puppets are designed by Judith Hope and lighting is designed by Sherry Coenen. The West End cast will be Heidi Goldsmith, James Keningale and Ashton Owen.

For more information, full dates and tickets, visit smartestgiantonstage.co.uk

Julia Donaldson said: “I wrote ‘The Smartest Giant in Town’ twenty years ago but the theme of generosity and kindness seems just as relevant today. The story really comes to life in Little Angel’s adaptation, which is also very faithful to Axel Scheffler’s brilliant illustrations.

“I saw the show when it first opened at Little Angel Theatre and the whole audience – including me – loved the puppets and enjoyed the songs. I’m so pleased that now more children will be able to experience it.”

Axel Scheffler added: “I am very fond of George the giant and his friends in ‘The Smartest Giant in Town’; I enjoyed creating his world with its mix of town and countryside, and range of animal characters in a place where everyone lives together harmoniously. The creative team at Little Angel with Fierylight has brought my artwork to life in 3D in a brilliant way and their production is great fun. I really recommend it.”