Gruffalo Author Champions Theatre for All Ages

The stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson's "The Gruffalo" is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a run at London's Lyric Theatre and a UK tour. Donaldson, a celebrated children's author, expressed her hope that the production will introduce both younger and older audiences to the magic of live theatre.

With over 18 million copies sold worldwide and translated into 115 languages, "The Gruffalo" has achieved global success. The stage show, which premiered in 2001, has been seen by over three million people across 18 countries. Donaldson, who has sold over 50 million books, also highlighted her current focus on making theatre accessible for the hard of hearing.

Donaldson is actively working to ensure theatres are equipped with induction loops, which significantly improve sound clarity for hearing aid users. She noted that while sign language interpretation helps, induction loops offer broader accessibility for many audience members. The Gruffalo's enduring appeal, according to illustrator Axel Scheffler, lies in its multi-layered story that resonates with different age groups.