CDP Theatre Producers, The Gruffalo

CDP presents Tall Stories' production of

THE GRUFFALO

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

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

JESSIE LANCASTER – Mouse

Born and raised in Newcastle, Jessie received a Bachelor of Arts (Acting) from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Notable roles at WAAPA included Gwedolen Fairfax, The Importance of Being Earnest, Jaques, As You Like It and Elizabeth Holy Day. Following this, she performed and showcased in Los Angeles.

Jessie’s professional debut was with the theatre company Poetry In Action, where she performed in a Principal role for their 2020-2021 national tour.

Jessie has been heavily involved in the Sydney independent film and theatre community. Her most recent role was as Mouse in CDPs The Gruffalo’s Child.

TOM GUSTARD – Predator

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!

PATRICK GANDIN - Gruffalo / Narrator

Patrick Gandin completed his training at the Actors Centre Australia in 2022. He has since created his own theatre company and produced and starred in Venus In Fur for the Sydney Fringe Festival, which was nominated for "Best Of" in the theatre category. His other credits include Grandfather Smoo in CDPs The Smeds and the Smoos; Frank in The Female of the Species; Orlando in As You Like It; Dr Shpigelski in A Month in the Country and Davey in The Lieutenant of Inishmore.

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.

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.