Tall Stories’ brand-new show ‘The Elmer Adventure’ brings David McKee’s beloved Elmer the Patchwork Elephant to life on a magical, musical nationwide tour
Multi Olivier Award-nominated Tall Stories (The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom) brings David McKee’s Elmer the Patchwork Elephant to life in a brand new show bringing three classic Elmer tales to life and touring UK theatre venues this spring. ‘The Elmer Adventure’ is directed by Tall Stories’ Artistic Director and co-founder Toby Mitchell.
Created for all the family from age 3 and up, ‘The Elmer Adventure’ takes audiences into the heart of a magical jungle. Three friends hear reports of a real-life patchwork elephant roaming in the jungle, so they all set off together on a quest to find him. As they explore deep in the heart of the jungle, the adventurers talk about how they have loved the story of Elmer since they were childhood friends and how they always celebrate Elmer Day every year.
Brimming with Tall Stories’ unique creative storytelling, magical puppetry, playfulness, songs and humour, ‘The Elmer Adventure’ is for all the family and celebrates friendship, acceptance and fun in true Elmer style. Everyone is invited to come to see the show wearing their most colourful clothes and accessories.
Elmer was created by David McKee and first published by Andersen Press in 1989. There are 30 picture books in the series, and more novelty titles. Elmer has since gone on to sell over 10 million copies in over 60 languages. In the original classic book, Elmer realises that it is his differences that make him who he truly is, and these differences are what his friends love about him. ‘The Elmer Adventure’ is a new show that brings together three David McKee stories, ‘Elmer’, ‘Elmer and the Tune’ and ‘Elmer and the Hippos’.
Tall Stories’ Director Toby Mitchell said “I’m excited we are bringing Elmer to theatres in towns and cities around the country. Elmer is such a wonderful character that so many people love. He’s full of fun, but underneath he is always thinking of others around him. We wanted to capture the magical spirit of Elmer through Tall Stories unique design and audience interactions and ‘try it at home’ storytelling. When we add a big dose of the Tall Stories playful silliness and surprise in – we know our audiences will love to see Elmer come to life.”
Andersen Press’ PR and Brand Director Paul Black said: “The Elmer books are about accepting who you are and celebrating difference. In the original story, Elmer tried to be like the other elephants, but in the end, he has to be himself. Tall Stories has captured that in this captivating, engaging new show, which we can’t wait for Elmer fans young and old to see for themselves.”
The Elmer Adventure is on a UK tour from 9 April to 20 July 2025. For more information and to book visit