This Christmas, award-winning theatre company Tall Stories will bring David McKee’s beloved Elmer the Patchwork Elephant to life in a joyful musical show The Elmer Adventure running at the newly opened Soho Theatre Walthamstow from Saturday 20 December 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026 (press performance is Saturday 20 December at 10.30am). Tickets are now on sale from £12 at www.sohotheatre.com.
Filled with humour and surprises, this festive, feel-good show is for all the family, ages 3 to 103. 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) and is directed by Artistic Director and co-founder, Toby Mitchell.
Searching for a mysterious patchwork elephant, our adventurers transform their jungle campsite into a festive storytelling world. Three classic Elmer tales – Elmer, Elmer and the Tune and Elmer and the Hippos – burst into life with toe-tapping tunes, playful puppetry and happy humour – and a few surprises along the way!
In preparation for Elmer’s festive adventures in East London this Christmas, Soho Theatre Walthamstow has announced a vibrant programme of free family fun for October Half Term from 27 October – 1 November. Activities will include Story Time readings of the Elmer books at libraries across Walthamstow, Activity Days with Christmas crafting, and an adventure to help Elmer find his colours by collecting stamps from local landmarks and businesses with the chance to win a special prize. At the East 17 & Central Pop-Up, visitors can search for Elmer hidden in shops, pick up exclusive merchandise, and book tickets for The Elmer Adventure Christmas show. See listings below for full details and here: https://sohotheatre.com/project/the-elmer-adventure-half-term-activities/
Elmer was written and illustrated by celebrated children’s author and artist David McKee. The Elmer books have been translated into more than 60 languages. The book series celebrated 35 years of publication by Andersen Press in 2024 and remains one of the most iconic and widely read children’s book series of all time, selling over 10 million copies worldwide since it was first published in 1989. A beloved classic and firm family favourite, David McKee’s iconic and brightly coloured patchwork elephant is the ambassador for friendship and celebrating everyone’s own true colours.