The Selfish Giant 2018-2023

This year we are joining forces with Tessa Bide Productions to create an exciting new co-production.

Inspired by the touching children’s story ‘The Selfish Giant’ by Oscar Wilde, Bristol's two leading family theatre experts explore an unusual friendship, and how even the grumpiest giant’s heart can melt when Spring finally comes.

Grinter is a giant. She lives happily alone in her huge cold house, surrounded by her huge snowy gardens, enclosed by her high, frost-covered walls. She shuts out the world, because long ago, the world shut her out, and so she hides, safe and quiet in her peaceful, icy home. Outside the towering walls of her enormous garden, the world has been changing and there is very little green left. One day, the children - tired of playing
on hard roads and grey rooftops - find a chink in the giant's wall and climb through, changing the course of the children’s and Grinter's lives forever.

Powerful storytelling, captivating puppetry, beautiful design, enchanting music and a sprinkling of magic sums up this very special show. We will be announcing tour dates soon, so watch this space!

Photography by Paul Blakemore


"a performance for very little ones and older children in whose minds and imaginations the beauty of this play will remain for a long time to come." - Curious Mum

"a beautiful tale of friendship and belonging, skilfully told" - Nappy Valley

Cast and Creative Team:

Director: Adam Fuller
Designer: Tomasin Cuthbert Menes
Composer: Matt Huxley
Lighting Designer: Robbie Butler
Movement Director: Laura Street
Circus Director: Gwen Hales
Puppet Maker: Emma Powell
Textile Artist: Rhyannan Hall
Costume Maker: Abi Kennedy
Set Builder: Georgie Shire


Poppy: Tessa Bide
Grinter: Tomasin Cuthbert Menes

Produced by Tomasin Cuthbert Menes and Tessa Bide
Co-Produced by Gill Simmons and Helen Edwards
Production Assistant: Alice Massey

Funded by The Arts Council of England