The new stage adaptation of a best-selling picture book by the author of The Gruffalo premiered at Kingston's Rose Theatre today.

The play, 'The Smeds and The Smoos,' is based on the story of the same name by Julia Donaldson, who created the memorable Gruffalo character over twenty years ago.

The Smeds and The Smoos was released in 2019 and topped the picture book charts for two years in a row.

It won the British Book Award for Children's Book of the Year (Illustrated and Non-Fiction) and has been translated into 23 languages.

The play (and book) tell the story of two alien groups, the Red Smeds and Blue Smoos, who are divided until two of them fall in love - a Romeo and Juliet type plot but with a happy ending, according to its author.

Commenting on the new adaptation by Tall Stories, the company who also brought the Gruffalo to the stage, Julia Donaldson said: "I can't wait to see the show, and I bet everyone's going to love it!"

Her long-time collaborator, children's book illustrator Axel Scheffler, said: "I'm excited that Tall Stories is bringing 'The Smeds and the Smoos' to the stage this year.

"Bill and Janet's alien adventure feels very timely, as it's a tale about unity and we have all felt isolated over the last year.

"Tall Stories has the challenge of creating lots of different alien species on stage – and I can't wait to see how they bring the book to life."

The Smeds and The Smoos will have eleven performances at the Rose Theatre over five days, from 27 to 31 October, then go on tour around the UK's regional theatres.

Its cast includes Althea Burey (Janet), Dan Armstrong (Bill), Angela Laverick (Grandmother Smoo) and Tim Hibberd (Grandfather Smed).

For more information and to book tickets visit The Rose Theatre's website.

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