Dame Julia Donaldson says her internationally known “Gruffalo” stage show is designed to help children discover and enjoy live theatre. Coverage of the production highlights that the show is marking its 25th anniversary this year, reflecting decades of popularity with young audiences. The outlets report that Donaldson’s hope for the production is not only continued entertainment, but also broader engagement with the theatre experience itself—encouraging children to see performances, connect with characters from the story, and develop familiarity with stage productions. The reports present the anniversary as a milestone for a show that has remained in demand over the years and has travelled widely. While details of the anniversary celebrations are not specified in the provided excerpts, both sources focus on the same central message: that the “Gruffalo” stage adaptation continues to be used as a gateway for introducing theatre to children. Overall, the reporting emphasizes the show’s longevity and its role in bringing a major children’s literary franchise to the stage.