This is London Magazine July Edition 2026 - Flipbook - Page 22
Photo: Mark Senior
22
THE GRUFFALO
The much-loved stage adaptation
of The Gruffalo returns to London’s
Lyric Theatre in the West End until
6 September, bringing Julia Donaldson
and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning story
to a new generation of theatre-goers.
Produced by Tall Stories, the production
celebrates more than two decades of
delighting audiences with its inventive
blend of storytelling, music and
puppetry.
Following the adventures of a quickthinking Mouse as he journeys through
the deep, dark wood, the production
faithfully recreates the much-loved tale
in which an imaginary monster proves to
be all too real. Along the way, Mouse
encounters a hungry Fox, Owl and
Snake before coming face to face with
the fearsome Gruffalo himself in a
heartwarming story that celebrates
courage, imagination and
resourcefulness.
Packed with catchy songs, engaging
performances and plenty of humour for
audiences of all ages, the production
remains a favourite for families during
the school holidays. Suitable for
children aged three and over, this
summer engagement offers another
opportunity to experience one of
children's literature's most beloved
stories brought vividly to life on stage.
www.gruffalolive.com
HORRIBLE SCIENCES AT
ZSL LONDON ZOO
This summer, London Zoo is teaming
up with the creators of Horrible
Science® for an interactive family event
combining comedy, experiments and
wildlife conservation. Running until
2 September and included with standard
Zoo admission, the programme forms
part of ZSL's 200th anniversary
celebrations.
Inspired by the bestselling books by
Nick Arnold and Tony De Saulles, the
experience invites visitors to explore two
centuries of scientific discovery through
an immersive trail, live performances
and hands-on activities. At the centre of
the event is Back from the Brink, a
comedy sketch show in which timetravelling ZSL scientists attempt to save
an endangered species, introducing
audiences to pioneering figures from the
organisation's history while
demonstrating the importance of
conservation.
Families can also follow the Horrible
Science Trail, solving puzzles and
uncovering facts about influential
scientists including Charles Darwin,
Joan Procter, Evelyn Cheesman and
Christine Hawkey. Interactive stations
feature gruesome challenges inspired by
real science, from investigating vampire
bat saliva to searching for clues hidden
among spider webs and mock vats of
blood.
The event sits alongside London
Zoo's collection of more than 8,500
animals and additional anniversary
attractions, including a heritage
exhibition, a Disney's The Lion King
exhibition and selected August
workshops inspired by the acclaimed
stage musical, offering families an
educational and entertaining day out
during the school holidays.
THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA
The Olivier Award nominated stage
production of The Tiger Who Came to
Tea returns to Theatre Royal Haymarket
this summer. Back by popular demand,
this year marks its twelfth West End
season. A musical play adapted and
directed by David Wood OBE, based on
the beloved book by Judith Kerr OBE,
the show runs until Saturday 5
September.
Bringing the nation’s favourite teaguzzling tiger to life on stage, this
delightful musical adventure entertains
with sing-a-long songs, magical
moments and plenty of interactive fun.
An ideal introduction to live theatre for
children aged three and above, it’s the
perfect summer treat for the whole
family.
Further information and tickets are at
tigerstealive.com, follow the show on
socials at @tigerstealive
T H I S I S L O N D O N M A G A Z I N E • T H I S I S L O N D O N O N L I N E • w w w. t i l . c o m • @ t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g
