The Smeds and the Smoos

About The Smeds and the Smoos

Two very different families share one universe but absolutely nothing else. The Smeds are red, the Smoos are blue, and as far back as anyone can remember, those two facts have been reason enough to keep them apart. Then Janet, a young Smed, and Bill, an adventurous Smoo, decide the cosmos is far too vast and wondrous to spend it feuding. Together they leap aboard a rocket and hurtle through the stars, on a journey that just might change both families forever.

This charming stage adaptation of the Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler picture book is brought to life by the same award-winning creative team responsible for beloved productions of Zog and Stick Man. Their track record of translating Donaldson and Scheffler's world onto the stage with warmth, wit and visual invention is very much on display here.

What Makes This Production Special

The production wraps its interstellar love story in an atmosphere that genuinely feels like floating through a living, breathing pop-up book. Glow-in-the-dark puppetry, orbiting props and a luminous starscape turn the Lyric Theatre stage into something that feels closer to a planetarium than a playhouse. Composer Joe Stillgoe contributes an original score full of catchy, singable songs that audiences tend to carry home humming long after the final bow.

The running time of 55 minutes with no interval is a considered creative choice rather than a limitation. The story moves at exactly the right pace to hold young imaginations without ever outstaying its welcome. There are also interactive moments woven throughout, inviting children in the audience to join the adventure directly, whether that means helping navigate the rocket or mastering an alien greeting.

Who Will Enjoy It Most

The Smeds and the Smoos is ideally suited to children aged roughly two to seven, though the gentle message about acceptance and curiosity tends to land warmly with adults too. The production keeps things lively and inclusive: select performances are designed as relaxed shows, with adjusted sound and lighting levels and a welcoming atmosphere for children who benefit from a more flexible environment. Audio-described performances are also available on selected dates.

Families with very young children will find the Lyric Theatre set up thoughtfully for them. Booster cushions are on hand, buggy parking is available, and the front-of-house team is experienced in making the experience as easy as possible for grown-ups managing little ones.

The Lyric Theatre, London

The Lyric Theatre sits on Shaftesbury Avenue in the heart of the West End, one of London's most famous theatreland streets. The surrounding area is well served by several Underground stations, and the neighbourhood offers plenty of options for a meal or a treat before or after the show. The theatre itself is a handsome Victorian venue with an intimate auditorium, meaning there is not a bad seat in the house for a production designed to be experienced up close.

Booking Tickets for The Smeds and the Smoos

School holiday and weekend matinee performances tend to be the first to fill up, so it is worth checking availability sooner rather than later if you are planning a trip during half-term or the summer break. You can see availability and book tickets for The Smeds and the Smoos right here on BritishTheatre.com, with seats available via our partner tickadoo, built by the founders of London Theatre Direct. Prices are to be confirmed, so check the listing for the latest information and to find the seats that suit your group best.