What's On | The Snail and the Whale
A man holding a wooden snail faces a girl holding a soft toy sea snail. In the background a female violinist plays in front of a large porthole.
Photo © Tall Stories
The Snail and the Whale artwork - A girl with a snail on her shoulder sits above waves as a whale tail appears in the sea, a fishing boat rides the waves, fish float above the sea and a seagull flies in the sky. There is a green porthole in the background. The Tall Stories logo appears in the upper left corner. 5 gold stars appear above the reviewer name 'WhatsOnStage' and again for 'Broadway Baby'. A quote from Edinburgh Festivals for Kids reads:
A man holding a wooden snail faces a girl holding a soft toy sea snail. In the background a female violinist plays in front of a large porthole.
Photo © Tall Stories
A woman smiling while playing a violin.
Photo © Tall Stories
A person in a mustard-yellow beanie hat with yellow goggles on, staring ahead with a look of awe on their face.
Photo © Tall Stories
A girl with headphones on which have springy antennae attached, stares forwards with a look of amazement. A man is perched behind her with a similar look of wonderment on his face.
Photo © Tall Stories

Tall Stories presents

The Snail and the Whale

A play with music inspired by the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

  • Show Information
  • Reviews

Join an adventurous young girl and her seafaring father as they reimagine the story of a tiny snail’s incredible trip around the world, inspired by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved picture book.

Longing to see the world, a tiny sea snail hitches a lift on the tail of a great big, grey-blue humpback whale. Together they go on an amazing journey, brought vividly to life through live music, storytelling and lots of laughs – but when the whale gets beached, how will the snail save him?

A heart-warming adventure for everyone aged four and up, from Tall Stories, the Olivier Award-nominated company that brought you The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom live on stage.

★★★★★

There’s real charm in this production.

The Scotsman

★★★★★

Fautless family fare.

WhatsonStage.com

★★★★★

Captivating, inventive storytelling along with beautiful live music and songs – it’s highly recommended that you climb aboard and set sail!

Edinburgh Festival for Kids

It’s ingenious, nattily staged, and like the little snail at the heart of the story has big ambitions and wide horizons. Very nice.

The Guardian

Map Venue MarkerNorthcott Theatre
Family, Theatre
Running time: 55 minutes, no interval
Exeter Northcott Theatre
Age Guidance 4+

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What's On | The Snail and the Whale

The Snail and the Whale

  • Show Information

Join a tiny snail on her trip round the world in Tall Stories’ (creators of the The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom stage shows) magical, musical adaptation of the fantastic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Longing to see the world, a tiny snail hitches a lift on the tail of a humpback whale. Together they go on an amazing adventure – but when the whale gets beached, how will the snail save him? Follow the tiny snail’s exciting journey, as seen through the eyes of an adventurous young girl and her seafaring father…

Storytelling, live music and lots of laughs, in a show for everyone aged 4 and up.

Duration 55 mins
For ages 4+

Map Venue MarkerExeter Northcott Theatre
Family
Running time: 55 minutes, no interval

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