REVIEW - THE SMARTEST GIANT IN TOWN | WATERSIDE ARTS, SALE | 09/04/2025

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved book The Smartest Giant in Town has long been a bedtime favourite in our house, so when the stage version stomped into Waterside Arts in Sale, we knew we had to be there! I took my two children—Alice (7) and Leo (5)—along with their Nana for a special family theatre trip, and it turned out to be a joyful, puppet-packed celebration of kindness, music, and fun. Even their Nana, who’d never read the book before, was completely won over. For Leo, it was a dream come true to share one of his all-time favourite stories—he absolutely loved playing the role of narrator, whispering upcoming plot twists to Nana as they happened! Whether you're already a fan of George the Giant or meeting him for the first time, this production has something for everyone.

The heartwarming tale follows George, a scruffy but sweet-natured giant who decides it’s time to smarten up his look and swap his old gown and sandals for some stylish new clothes. Dressed in his dashing new duds, George sets off through town—only to encounter a series of animals in need: a cold-necked giraffe, some homeless mice, a soggy goat, and more. One by one, he gives away each piece of his new outfit to help them, until he’s back to square one—but with a brand-new title: the kindest giant in town.

With messages of generosity, friendship, and empathy at its core, this gentle story truly shines on stage, keeping little ones engaged from start to finish. A fun twist in the show even introduced a bit of French, encouraging the children to count along. Leo, who’s currently obsessed with numbers, was absolutely delighted—this playful moment added an unexpected and welcome educational element.

Visually, this production is an utter delight. Kate Bunce’s imaginative set transforms simple items into magical landscapes—a bathmat becomes a puddle, fabric becomes a lake, and miniature houses cleverly remind us just how tall George really is. The lighting, designed by Sherry Coenen, adds a cosy warmth, making the whole show feel like a snug bedtime story brought to life. The gentle lighting and sound design create a calm, inviting atmosphere—ideal for little ones, especially those who can be sensitive to louder or more intense sensory experiences.

Judith Hope’s puppets are a huge highlight—charming, expressive, and wonderfully faithful to Axel Scheffler’s beloved illustrations. Alice whispered, “It looks just like the book!”—her favourite was the fox, while Leo was captivated by the towering giraffe. The puppetry had both kids completely mesmerised, offering just the right amount of visual stimulation without ever feeling overwhelming.

Musically, Barb Jungr’s original songs are toe-tapping delights. The finale number had Leo clapping along with wild enthusiasm and dancing in the aisle! The songs are catchy and easy to join in with, offering a lovely sense of rhythm and repetition that many children can really connect with.

Duane Gooden brings the giant George to life with gentle warmth and a lovable presence—even with his face hidden beneath an enormous head! His exaggerated gestures and expressive movements had the children captivated from start to finish, making George feel both larger-than-life and wonderfully kind.

Puppeteers Hannah Bainbridge and James Keningale are simply brilliant. They animate a whole host of animals (plus a couple of quirky shopkeepers) with distinct voices, hilarious accents, and boundless energy. Their seamless puppetry and magnetic charm had the entire audience smiling—even Nana, who’d never read the book before, was giggling away!

The Smartest Giant in Town is a perfect piece of family theatre—thoughtful, musical, and full of imagination. At just under an hour, it’s the ideal length for young audiences, and every minute is packed with warmth, humour, and interactive fun. Alice adored the puppets, Leo loved the music, and Nana left with a brand-new favourite story.

Whether you know the book inside out or are discovering it for the first time, this 50-minute gem is a giant-sized treat. Alice declared it “the best show ever,” while Leo left the theatre humming songs and proudly practising his French.

It’s a story that teaches kindness with warmth and wit—and at Waterside Arts, it’s been brought to life with giant love and giant talent.

A towering triumph of children’s theatre—this show isn’t just the smartest in town, it’s one of the loveliest too!

The Smartest Giant in Town is at Waterside Arts until Thursday 10th April 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.

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If you would like more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the show's official website.

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Photo Credit - Ellie Kurttz

*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.