The Enormous Crocodile | The Lowry

Adored by kids and adults alike, Roald Dahl was a storyteller like none other, combining whimsy and wonder with distinctly, unashamedly dark elements, never shying away from really going there in terms of how he tackled the latter. It is this unique balance, and his refusal to underestimate his audience, that has helped him transcend both time and generations, and become one of the most revered children’s writers of all time. So it really isn’t a surprise that his work has become such a goldmine for page to stage adaptations, with works like Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Witches having received the musical theatre treatment over the years.

Though the mid-period picture storybook The Enormous Crocodile is far from his post beloved, or even most widely consumed work, it still adopts much of the hallmarks of Dahl’s greatest stories, employing a simple yet engaging narrative, fun and diverse characters, and smatterings of dark humour that appeals to multiple generations. Adapted to the stage by the combined efforts of Ahmed Abdullahi Gallab, Shayla El-Bushra and Tom Brady, this musical retelling retains many of these fundamental facets, albeit with an absence of the frightening nature often associated with the titular reptile.

Co-directors Emily Lim and Toby Olié, the latter also also a part of the puppetry design team, have really captured the vivid imagination and linguistic artistry of Dahl’s original story, visually achieved through Fly Davis’ sets that masterfully transport us to the African rainforest (a distinct, bold deviation from the source material), providing an apt setting for the plethora of wild animals that grace the stage by means of Olié and Daisy Beattie’s charming, terrifically inventive puppetry.

The cast of five are certainly kept busy throughout, as they parade a marvellously magical menagerie of everything from insects and small birds, to a monkey, a hippo, an elephant, and even kids in scout uniforms. We follow the appropriately named Enormous Crocodile in his quest to consume one of these human children, to quell his equally and increasingly immense appetite, and through some delightful direct interaction and participation, the audience are always made to feel like part of the action.

Our title character is brought to life with fabulous vim and verve by Chelsea Da Silva, and what she lacks in menace and fear factor, she more than makes up for with her commitment and commanding stage presence. Additionally, Marienella Phillips gives us a brilliantly well-rounded comic performance in her various different roles, and Ciara Hudson as the roly-poly bird brings a flamboyance and subtle avian majesty to proceedings.

All of Roald Dahl’s signature wit and charm is on full view for the entirety of this bitesize musical, and though the colourful visuals and characters, figuratively and literally, no doubt have little’uns jumping for joy and revelling in being instructed to hurl foam peanuts at the stage, that certainly isn’t to say that there isn't plenty to keep grown ups not just in the loop, but snapping themselves up a merry old time. And that's the whole tooth!

The Enormous Crocodile plays at The Lowry until 04th January 2026.

Tickets and More Information

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Danny Kaan