Tall Stories presents
‘The Smeds and The Smoos’
A joyful adventure of runaway star-crossed aliens chased through space by their feuding families
Tall Stories’ epic space adventure ‘The Smeds and The Smoos’ features cute, hilarious aliens and a rocket chase to distant planets. It is on a national tour following a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe and an Olivier Award nomination. Produced by multi Olivier Award-nominated Tall Stories (The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child and Room on the Broom), it is directed by Toby Mitchell. ‘The Smeds and The Smoos’ is adapted from the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. 18 Jul – 7 Sept Lyric Theatre, London
‘The Gruffalo’s Child’ at the Lyric Theatre in London’s West End
Adapted from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning picture book, Tall Stories’ much loved ‘The Gruffalo’s Child’ has been busy preparing for her next adventure in the West End with an all-new cast. Produced by multi Olivier Award-nominated Tall Stories (The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, The Smeds and the Smoos), ‘The Gruffalo’s Child’ is directed by Tall Stories’ co-founder Olivia Jacobs. It is at the Lyric Theatre in London’s West End from 24 November to 11 January and on a national tour from October 2025.
The Elmer Adventure’ starring Elmer the Patchwork Elephant at Soho Theatre
Tall Stories’ new show ‘The Elmer Adventure’ brings David McKee’s beloved Elmer the Patchwork Elephant to life as a musical adventure story. Following a national tour, Elmer is now celebrating Christmas in a special festive-themed run of ‘The Elmer Adventure’ at Soho Theatre Walthamstow.
On the search for the mysterious patchwork elephant, a family transform their jungle campsite into a festive storytelling world. Filled with humour and surprises, this festive, colourful and feel-good show is for all the family, ages 3 and up. The Elmer Adventure has been created and produced by the multi Olivier Award-nominated Tall Stories (The Gruffalo, The Smeds and The Smoos, Room on the Broom). It is directed by Tall Stories’ Artistic Director and co-founder, Toby Mitchell. Sat 20 Dec 25 – Sun 4 Jan 26.
International Talk Like a Pirate Day
To coincide with the major exhibition Pirates, the National Maritime Museum, London will be celebrating International Talk Like a Pirate Day on the weekend of Friday 19 September 2025. This will include talks, character actors, and a 2-for-1 discount on tickets Friday to Sunday for the Pirates exhibition. Visitors who dress up like a pirate will also be in with the chance of winning prizes such as Cutty Sark Rig climb tickets, a City Cruisers voucher, a pair of Old Royal Naval College annual passes, a family tour of The Golden Hinde and a Royal Museums Greenwich Membership. Plus, Benugo are offering Pirates ticket holders a £1 hot drink at the National Maritime Museum café with the purchase of one of their delicious pirate themed cakes. The 2-for-1 discount is only available via rmg.co.uk/whats-on/national-maritime-museum/international-talk-pirate-day.
Talks and tours, hear about Barbary Corsairs, sea shanties and the tale of Sarah Kidd, a pirate’s wife with a series of talks and tours. Please see website for full details.
Free family crafting activity, cut, stick and create your own pirate hat to wear – so you can talk and look like a pirate. Friday only.
Pirate Pete, learn all about piracy with this child-friendly puppet show. Saturday and Sunday only.
Character Actor, meet Alice and find out about life at sea during the so-called Golden Age of Piracy. Saturday only.
London Transport Museum Hidden London Tours
October 2025 to March 2026. Hidden London is a series of exclusive guided tours that take guests aged 10 and over behind the scenes of the Tube network to explore the city’s history, right where it happened
There are 10 closed-off locations to explore, including disused stations, time-capsule corridors, closed platforms, filming locations or wartime shelters.
Tours that will be running from October to March include tours of disused Tube station Aldwych, the secret filming locations at Charing Cross, the wartime deep-level shelter at Clapham South as well as secret parts of Baker Street, Euston, Moorgate, Piccadilly Circus and Holborn. Wednesday-Sunday
In addition to the new dates of tours, tickets are also now available for a new edition of a live showing of a Hidden London Hangouts episode in November, with hosts Chris Nix, Laura Hilton-Brown, Siddy Holloway and Alex Grundon. Our Hidden London station tours are open to children aged 10 and over. Our above ground walking tour is open to children aged 9 and over.
Horniman Museum and Gardens
Second Hand Sunday Sunday 14 September, 10am-3pm
The Horniman’s Second Hand Sunday market is back offering sustainable shopping alongside our regular Sunday market. Come along to give a new home to second hand clothes, books, toys and more, from local sellers. Free entry.
Enchanted Cinema – Monsters and Magic
Sunday 26 October, 10am, 12noon Monday 27 October, 10am, 12noon, 2pm
Go wild with The Enchanted Cinemas interactive Monsters & Magic show, using your voice, hands and feet and musical instruments to create a magical live special effects soundtrack to the animations on screen. Adult £12, Child £6. Sessions last 60 minutes. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Butterfly House Daily, 10.30am-4pm (last entry 3.30pm)
Get up close to hundreds of beautiful butterflies in our tropical indoor garden. The specially planted habitat is the perfect place to experience butterflies free flying all around you and to discover amazing facts about the lifecycle and behaviour of these fascinating creatures.
Aquarium Daily, 10.30am-5.30pm (last entry 4.30pm)
Take a magical journey through rivers, seas and oceans in the Horniman’s highly acclaimed Aquarium.
Family Craft Saturdays
Saturdays, 2-4pm. Last entry 3.30pm Join in family craft activities inspired by the Hornimans collections. Learn about some of the 350,000 objects in the Hornimans collections, and discover more about music, nature, wildlife, and the world around us as you get stuck into some crafts and have fun at these volunteer-run sessions for all the family.
100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ
Magical Merlin
St. Martins Theatre in Londons West End playing a limited run from 27 October to 2 November 2025
Get ready for a spellbinding adventure this Autumn half-term as Magical Merlin returns to the West End for a limited run of magical, musical fun for children and their families. Presented by Perform Productions, the show will play daytime performances at St. Martins Theatre (long-time home of The Mousetrap) from Monday 27 October to Sunday 2 November 2025.
Set in the enchanted world of Ancient Britain, Magical Merlin whisks you away to a land of witches, wizards, and legendary adventures. When the baby King Arthur is born and his jealous sister Morgan Le Fay starts turning people into animals, it’s up to Merlin to save the kingdom. With help from brave Sir Lancelot and kind-hearted Princess Guinevere, the quest takes them past fire-breathing dragons and into the magical waters of The Lady of the Lake – all before Morgan can turn the royal baby into a hamster!
Bursting with catchy songs, dazzling choreography and laugh-out-loud moments, Magical Merlin celebrates friendship, courage, and believing in yourself.