Review: The Smeds and The Smoos, Lyric Theatre

Tall Stories’ adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s classic picture book The Smeds and The Smoos is currently playing at the Lyric Theatre in London. I watched the show on tour at the Granville Theatre in Ramsgate amidst local families who were excited to experience a fun-packed show on their doorstep. 

This is theatre company Tall Stories’ fourth adaptation of a best-selling picture book by Donaldson and Scheffler. Their regular creative team are known for their bright and animated adventures aimed at anyone aged 3 and up. The Smeds and The Smoos is directed by Tall Stories co-founder Toby Mitchell and was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Family Show in 2024; so Donaldson’s fans can come safe in the knowledge that there will be fun, silliness, songs and puppetry with a faithful representation of her familiar words.

The show gently introduces the young audience to the plot with the successful use of narrators, echoing a bedtime story routine, led by Grandmother Smoo (Abbey Norman) and Grandfather Smed (Patrick Bridgman). A baby is placed on stage to set up the audience interaction, and the story begins. It is essentially an intergalactic version of Romeo and Juliet, who run away from their warring families to start an epic adventure in space, which results in a quest to bring them back home to their far-off planet. Felicia Akin-Tayo returns to her role as Janet and brings a wonderful physical detail to the character with a playful sense of wonder at her world and falling in love for the first time. Bill (Anthony Lam) completes the slick and likeable ensemble who all skilfully play multiple roles, sing, dance and puppeteer to great effect.  

Set and costume designer Barney George creates a deceptively simple world that is atmospherically pitched and visually brings a sense of another planet, using purples, pinks and greens to bring the trockle and glompom foliage to life. Particularly successful is the clever use of all the puppets that are integrated into the landscape. Costumes are carefully colour-coded to differentiate between the red and blue of The Smeds and The Smoos. The ensemble work in basics for puppeteering, plus clear accessorising when playing different roles. It keeps the storytelling clear and easy to follow, along with Julia Cave’s fun choreography. 

When the puppets are revealed from the visiting planet’s terrain, there are whoops and squeals from the audience. Yvonne Stone designs green and gungy monsters, floating Gruffalo heads and a picture book ‘lurgle’ to great effect. The visual gags are heightened here, and classic panto moments invite the audience to participate with various points and screams. Some of the listening goes amid this chaos, and small voices giving the correct answer are occasionally missed or not acknowledged due to the focus on keeping the storytelling tight. However, the rapport with the audience is generally lovely, advocating kindness and friendship, using a mix of song or gesture. The music and lyrics are by seasoned Donaldson adaptation collaborators Jon Fiber and Andy Shaw, providing synth tech and enjoyable echoes of ska in places. The visual gags are gorgeous and enjoyable. All the magical ingredients are solidly in place. I might wish for something a bit riskier for Tall Stories’ garnered younger audience; the cast are up for it, and the ending could still remain happy with clear positive messaging? Families who love the book will enjoy this play, and for a first-time treat to a West End theatre, this competent and colourful production is a safe bet that will bring squeals of intergalactic joy.

Author: Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Alex Sheffler
Director: Toby Mitchell
Set & Costumes Designer: Barney George
Music & Lyrics: Jon Fiber & Andy Shaw for Jollygoodtunes
Puppet Designer: Yvonne Stone
Lighting Designer: Peter Harrison
Choreographer: Julia Cave
Costume Supervisor: Martin Rodges
Assistant Director: Penny Dyer

The Smeds & The Smoos plays at The Lyric Theatre until Sunday September 7
before heading off on a UK tour