The Enormous Crocodile

About The Enormous Crocodile at the Lyric Hammersmith

One of Roald Dahl's most beloved picture books leaps off the page and onto the stage in this inventive family musical at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in London. Directed by Olivier Award-winner Emily Lim, the production brings Dahl's gleefully mischievous story to life with original songs, vibrant puppetry, and bags of physical comedy that will have younger audiences squirming with delight and grown-ups grinning just as broadly.

At the heart of the story is the Enormous Crocodile himself, a boastful, scheming reptile with a very specific craving for something far more troublesome than fish. His elaborate plans to sneak into town and gobble up unsuspecting children are foiled time and again by a wonderful ensemble of jungle creatures, each more determined than the last to put the wicked crocodile firmly in his place.

What to Expect

The show moves at a cracking pace, rolling through a series of brilliantly staged set-pieces as the Enormous Crocodile hatches disguise after ridiculous disguise. Each scheme ends in spectacular failure, thanks to the intervention of familiar Dahl characters including Trunky the Elephant and Humpy-Rumpy the Hippopotamus, all brought to life with puppetry, bold design, and no small amount of slapstick chaos.

The original songs are written to delight younger ears while keeping the wit sharp enough to reward the adults in the room. The staging makes imaginative use of jungle scenery, and the physical comedy is broad, energetic, and perfectly pitched for family audiences. The running time is carefully judged to hold the attention of even the most restless little theatregoer.

Perfect for Families

If you are looking for a show that genuinely works for all ages, this is an excellent choice. The moral of the story, that cruelty and greed get their comeuppance, is delivered with Dahl's trademark gleeful irreverence rather than any heavy-handed moralising. Children will love rooting against the villain, adults will enjoy the wit woven through every scene, and the colourful characters and lively music ensure the energy never flags.

The production is a limited run, so availability is unlikely to last. Families are advised to check availability early to avoid missing out on what promises to be one of the standout family theatre events in London.

The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre

The Lyric Hammersmith is one of London's most historic producing theatres, with a reputation for ambitious, inventive work that spans everything from bold new writing to reimagined classics. Located on King Street in Hammersmith, west London, it is easily reached by Underground via Hammersmith station, which is served by the District, Piccadilly, and Circle lines as well as the Hammersmith and City line.

The theatre's main auditorium offers a warm, intimate atmosphere that suits a production like this particularly well, placing the audience close to the action and making every trick and tumble feel all the more immediate. Seating is available across a range of tiers, with tickets for The Enormous Crocodile starting from £18.75.

The Creative Team

Director Emily Lim brings a distinguished track record in theatre that puts storytelling and audience experience at the centre of every decision. Her involvement signals a production with real craft behind the fun, and the creative team's experience in children's theatre is evident in the care taken with pacing, staging, and the translation of Dahl's picture-book world into a fully realised live performance. The cast rotates regularly, so every visit promises a fresh energy on stage.

Booking Tickets for The Enormous Crocodile

Tickets for The Enormous Crocodile at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre start from £18.75. As a limited-run production, seats are expected to sell quickly, particularly for weekend and school-holiday performances. See availability and secure your seats at BritishTheatre.com, powered by tickadoo, which was built by the founders of London Theatre Direct.