This Christmas, Tall Stories’ magical adaptation of the much-loved Elmer books by David McKee, will bring colour and cheer to the newly opened Soho Theatre Walthamstow, in a festive run of The Elmer Adventure for all the family from Saturday 20th December 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2026. We spoke with the show’s artistic director Toby Mitchell
What should we expect from this show?
Toby Mitchell: A whole lot of colour, warmth and laughter! We’re weaving together three of David McKee’s classics (Elmer, Elmer and the Tune, Elmer and the Hippos), so audiences will get a real sense of adventure and fun.
You’ll step into a jungle campsite alongside our storytellers as they search for that patchwork elephant. There’s playful puppetry, live music, funny moments, and even a few surprises for the audience. It’s made for everyone – little ones, grown-ups, grandparents – because it’s about friendship, uniqueness, and finding joy in being yourself.
What’s been the best part of putting this show together?
TM: Knowing how beloved Elmer the Patchwork Elephant is and bringing him to life for audiences has been really exciting. Building the world of the show from scratch with lots of talented actors along way as well as imagining how Elmer might appear onstage with the help of our brilliant puppet designer, Yvonne Stone.
Elmer is a well-travelled elephant but bringing him to a vibrant community like Walthamstow is a treat in itself, especially knowing how much excitement there is around the newly opened Soho Theatre Walthamstow. We’re so excited to see the auditorium buzzing with local families over Christmas.
Why should families get tickets for it?
TM: It’s a festive treat for all the family that’s right on your doorstep! There’s something lovely about heading to a local theatre together, especially during the holidays and getting that much needed time together creating happy memories whilst sparking imagination.
The Elmer Adventure is designed to be enjoyed by everyone from zero to 103. It’s funny, full of catchy tunes and will bring a smile to all. It carries an important message about kindness and celebrating difference which feels evermore appropriate at this time of year.
Tell us more about Tall Stories and previous shows they’ve put on!
TM: Tall Stories has been around since 1997, when Olivia Jacobs and I started the company with the idea of making playful, imaginative shows for families. Since then we’ve created a whole range of productions, from The Gruffalo to Room on the Broom and The Smeds and The Smoos, and we’ve been lucky enough to take them all over the world, from the West End and Broadway to the Sydney Opera House!
No matter where we perform, the heart of what we do stays the same: playful storytelling with catchy music and plenty of laughs for the whole family. Bringing The Elmer Adventure to Walthamstow for Christmas feels like a perfect fit – a bright, heartfelt show in a brilliant new local venue, shared with a community we’re excited to get to know.
Tickets are available from £12 at sohotheatre.com
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