Family show will be ‘a theatrical treat for all ages’
Zog by Freckle Productions (Image: Jess Shurte)
A stage adaptation of one of the best known and best loved children’s picture books is heading for Hull. Zog, based on the work of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, will appear at Hull Truck Theatre from June 4 to 7.
The show will bring the enthusiastic young dragon to life with songs, puppetry and playful storytelling for families with children aged three-plus. Created by Freckle Productions in association with Rose Theatre, the touring play is described as “a theatrical treat for all ages”.
First staged in 2020, Freckle Productions’ adaptation of Zog has become a family favourite, delighting young audiences with its mix of live music, puppetry, and laugh-out-loud storytelling. With joyful songs by Joe Stilgoe, puppets designed by Little Angel Theatre, and direction by Ryan McBryde that brings Donaldson and Scheffler’s world vividly to life, Zog is “I’m not braggin’ but I’m a dragon”.
Zog is the keenest dragon in Madam Dragon’s school. He’s also the most accident-prone, flying into trees, and even setting his own wing alight. Thankfully, a kind girl comes along to patch up his scratches and scrapes – but can she help him with his biggest challenge yet, so that he can finally win a golden star?
Zog will be brought to life by a talented cast. Jennifer Sutherland, executive producer at Freckle Productions, said: “At Freckle we love bringing Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s stories to life on stage, and Zog has been a joy to share with families over the years.
“Following the 15th anniversary of the book in 2025, we’re delighted to continue the celebrations with a UK tour in 2026 … and without giving too much away, fans can also look forward to more adventures ahead when Zog and the Flying Doctors takes off on tour in 2027.” Donaldson is the multi award-winning author of some of the world’s best-loved children’s stories, including The Gruffalo and Stick Man.
She is best known for her popular rhyming tales, especially those illustrated by Scheffler, which together have sold over 75 million copies and been published in more than 100 languages. First published in 2010, Zog quickly became a family favourite, winning the Galaxy National Book Award that year and going on to sell over 4.8 million copies worldwide.
In 2018, Magic Light Pictures premiered the animated film version of Zog on BBC One, broadcast at primetime on Christmas Day, with an all-star cast including Sir Lenny Henry, Tracey Ullman, Rob Brydon and Kit Harington. The half-hour special delighted millions of viewers and cemented Zog’s place as a modern classic.
The theatre show’s running time is approximately one hour and most suitable for age three-plus, but all ages are welcome. Babes in arms (children under two) are permitted to share a seat with each full-paying adult; children aged two or more will require a paid ticket and seat. Find out more at zogonstage.com and at hulltruck.co.uk