REVIEW - THE SMEDS & THE SMOOS | THE LOWRY | 27/10/2025

Intergalactic Fun for the Whole Family – The Smeds and The Smoos Soars at The Lowry

Having seen The Smeds and The Smoos live before, my daughter Alice (age 7) and I were excited to return to The Lowry for another intergalactic adventure. This charming story, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, has been a firm favourite in our house for years, and we couldn’t wait to see how the Tall Stories production would bring the colourful alien worlds to life once again.

Tall Stories Theatre Company have long been masters at adapting Donaldson and Scheffler’s beloved books for the stage. With acclaimed productions of The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, and Snail and the Whale under their belt, they are renowned for their vibrant sets, imaginative puppetry, and interactive performances that capture the hearts of both children and adults.

Returning to the show this time, we were eager to revisit Janet the Smed, Bill the Smoo, and all the quirky alien characters that make this story so magical. Even after our first viewing, the promise of colourful planets, mischievous creatures, and heartwarming songs was enough to make both Alice and me feel like we were stepping back into a wonderfully familiar, yet always surprising, world.

The stage adaptation of The Smeds and The Smoos beautifully captures the heart of Donaldson’s tale — a Romeo and Juliet-inspired love story set in outer space, where red Smeds and blue Smoos live separately and never mix. When young Janet and Bill meet and fall in love, their families disapprove, but the pair run away together, sparking a galactic search that takes the Smeds and Smoos across the stars.

Their journey takes them to a series of imaginative planets, each bursting with life and colour, where they encounter all sorts of fascinating alien creatures. Along the way, the children in the audience are encouraged to join in with the adventure — pretending to swim with the Smeds in the Loobular Lake, shouting out and pointing when Janet and Bill play and hide from each other in the Wurplar Wood, and clapping and waving along to the catchy songs. The interactive moments kept everyone completely engaged, with giggles and excitement filling the theatre from start to finish.

Alice’s favourite character was the adorable purple baby, and she absolutely loved all the alien puppets that appeared throughout the show. One of her favourite moments came when Grandfather Smed and Grandmother Smoo were asked by the Lurgles on Planet Lurglestrop to water their roses — and ended up cheekily squirting water into the audience! I must admit, I was equally captivated by the beautifully designed Lugle puppet and couldn’t stop smiling when the mischievous grimbles appeared (who, as Alice pointed out, looked just like little baby Gruffalos!).

Tall Stories have once again worked their magic, transforming Axel Scheffler’s distinctive illustrations into a vibrant, otherworldly stage that feels as if you’ve stepped straight into the book. Barney George’s set is a visual feast — from twinkling stars to the inventive cardboard rocket, and the swirling red and blue worlds of the Smeds and Smoos, every detail is full of colour, charm, and little surprises that kept Alice completely captivated. The clever use of lighting shifts the mood seamlessly between planets, adding warmth and sparkle to every scene.

The puppetry, designed by Yvonne Stone, is a real showstopper. From the long-nosed Lurgles tending their roses to the adorable purple baby, each character bursts with personality and charm, enchanting both children and adults alike. The costumes strike the perfect balance between simplicity and creativity, clearly distinguishing the Smeds from the Smoos while allowing the small but mighty cast of four to switch seamlessly between their many roles.

And then there’s the music — joyful, playful, and irresistibly catchy. Our favourite number was Joy, Jam, and Jumping, which had the whole audience clapping along. It’s been stuck in my head ever since, and I’m not complaining!

The talented four-person cast brings endless energy and enthusiasm to the stage. Their quick character changes, expressive performances, and pitch-perfect comic timing keep the audience engaged from start to finish.

Felicia Akin-Tayo and Antony Lam shine as the sweet star-crossed lovers Janet and Bill, while Patrick Bridgman and Lolly Platt (understudy stepping in for Abbey Norman as Grandmother Smoo) bring warmth and humour to the roles of the older, slightly grumpy grandparents. The cast work wonderfully together, with moments of tender emotion balanced by plenty of laugh-out-loud fun.

Each performer switches effortlessly between aliens, narrators, and puppeteers — a true showcase of teamwork and talent that keeps the performance lively and full of surprises.

Once again, The Smeds and The Smoos proved to be a cosmic treat — a heartwarming, funny, and beautifully staged adventure that celebrates love, difference, and togetherness. Alice was completely mesmerised from start to finish, and I loved watching her laugh, point, and clap along with pure delight.

This is storytelling at its best — imaginative, inclusive, and filled with heart. Whether you’ve seen it before or it’s your first trip to the colourful worlds of The Smeds and The Smoos, it’s a must-see for families who love a bit of magic in their theatre trips.

A bright, bold, and beautifully bonkers journey across the stars — guaranteed to leave the whole family smiling! 🌟

The Smeds and The Smoos is at The Lowry until Saturday 1st November 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 - Charlie Flint

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