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The Smeds and The Smoos
11 June 2025 to 13 June 2025
About The Smeds and The Smoos
A stellar Olivier Award-nominated show based on the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Soar into space in 2025 with this joyful tale of star-crossed aliens. Following an extremely successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe, The Smeds and The Smoos will be flying their blue and red rockets around the UK on a nationwide tour.
The Smeds and The Smoos tells the story of two rival groups of aliens living on a far-off planet: the Smeds (who are red) and the Smoos (who are blue). The two groups mistrust each other, and the children are told to never play with one another. So, when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back?
Directed by Tall Stories’ co-founder, Toby Mitchell, The Smeds and The Smoos was nominated for a prestigious Olivier Award for Best Family Show in 2024. The production explores important themes of acceptance, understanding differences, friendship, and disrupting stereotypes in a fun and engaging way that resonates with young audiences.
Julia Donaldson said: “I loved the show–the brilliantly alien set and lighting, the energetic acting and the wonderful puppets. My favourite was the Lurgle!”
Axel Scheffler said: “It was lovely to find out a lot more about the life of the Smeds and the Smoos and all the other life forms on their far away planets in this delightful play by the Tall Stories team. Space travel for the whole family–at its best!”
Watch the trailer
Tickets
Please see important booking information below.
Booking information
Ticket prices:
From £16.00
£14.50 when booking 4+ tickets (discount automatically applied in basket)
Dates & times:
Wednesday 11 to Friday 13 June 2025
Wednesday at 4.30pm, Thursday and Friday at 10.30am and 1.00pm
Running time:
1 hour
Age guidance:
3+
About The Mill Arts Centre
The Mill Arts Centre is the cultural hub for Banbury and the surrounding area.
As the only dedicated arts provision in the area, it aims to inspire creativity and enrich the lives of the communities by providing a high-quality, varied artistic, educational and participatory programme.
It plays a significant role in the town’s cultural, social and economic development by offering the community the chance to engage with and be entertained by several art forms.
The Mill Arts Centre offers an exciting live events programme, including theatre, dance, music, comedy, film, workshops and classes. Alongside this, it runs several community projects and initiatives with partner organisations.
You can visit our Café Bar for delicious hot and cold drinks and light refreshments – and while you’re there, the Gallery is home to a fantastic programme of exhibitions from local artists.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for meeting rooms or spaces for hire in Banbury, our wide range of spaces – including our theatre, art studio, dance studio and meeting rooms – are available for hire.
Discover more about The Mill Arts Centre, including travel, access and venue information.
