Preview: Zog at Durham Gala

Zog 

Durham Gala

Tuesday 24 to Thursday 26 February 2026

This half-term, families across the North East have the perfect excuse to take flight into the magical world of one of children's literature's most beloved dragons. Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's classic, feel-good story Zog returns to County Durham, bringing its roaring, soaring charm to Gala Durham from Tuesday 24 to Thursday 26 February.

Freckle Productions' adaptation of this enchanting tale has become a smash-hit theatrical experience, delighting audiences with its masterful blend of live music, captivating puppetry, and laugh-out-loud storytelling. This is theatre that truly comes alive, transforming Donaldson's much-loved picture book into an immersive adventure that young audiences can experience with all their senses.

At the heart of the story is Zog himself, the keenest yet most accident-prone dragon in Madam Dragon's school. Despite his enthusiasm and determination, this lovable orange dragon seems to encounter disaster at every turn as he strives to win his own golden star. It's a tale that speaks to every child who has ever tried their best, stumbled, and picked themselves up to try again. With the help of the courageous Princess Pearl, Zog must overcome his biggest challenge yet, teaching young audiences valuable lessons about perseverance, friendship, and believing in yourself.

Since its first publication in 2010, Zog has soared into the hearts of families worldwide. With more than 4.8 million copies sold globally, the story has established itself as a modern classic, sitting proudly alongside Donaldson's other treasured works. The theatrical adaptation honours the spirit of the original while bringing fresh energy and dimension to the beloved characters.

Lizzie Glazier, culture venues and programme manager, captures the essence of what makes this production so special: "We are delighted to once again welcome Zog to Gala Durham. Julia Donaldson's much-loved classic has enchanted audiences for the last 15 years and, featuring joyful songs by Joe Stilgoe and beautiful puppets by Little Angels, this charming smash-hit production is a treat for children and adults alike."

The musical score by Joe Stilgoe adds another layer of magic to the production, with joyful songs that will have young audience members humming long after the curtain falls. The puppetry by Little Angels is nothing short of spectacular, bringing Donaldson's colourful characters to life with creativity and craftsmanship that will mesmerise children and impress adults in equal measure.

What makes this production particularly special is its accessibility for younger theatre-goers. Recommended for children aged three and over, Zog offers an ideal introduction to the world of live performance. It's perfectly pitched to hold the attention of little ones while delivering enough sophistication to keep parents and guardians thoroughly entertained. The show's running across three days with multiple performances means families have plenty of options to find a time that suits their half-term schedule.

Glazier emphasises this aspect: "It's the perfect excuse for a half-term excursion, with a number of performances running across the three days. And, with the production recommended for children aged three and over, it's also a great opportunity to introduce younger family members to the joy of theatre and spark their love for the arts."

For families looking to make the most of the February half-term break, Zog offers more than just entertainment. It's an opportunity to create lasting memories, to introduce children to the transformative power of live theatre, and to share in a story about courage, kindness, and never giving up. The intimate setting of Gala Durham provides the perfect backdrop for this heartwarming tale, allowing young audience members to feel truly connected to the action unfolding on stage.

The production has proven immensely popular in previous runs, with families praising its faithful adaptation of the source material, the quality of the performances, and its ability to engage even the youngest theatre-goers. Parents appreciate the show's thoughtful pacing, which keeps children engaged without overwhelming them, and the positive messages woven throughout the narrative.

Whether you're a long-time fan of Julia Donaldson's work or discovering Zog for the first time, this theatrical adaptation promises a roar-some experience that celebrates everything that makes children's theatre so valuable. It's storytelling at its finest, puppetry that sparks wonder, and music that brings joy – all wrapped up in a production that respects young audiences' intelligence while never forgetting that theatre should be, above all, fun.

Tickets:

To find out more and to book tickets, visit www.galadurham.co.uk/zog or call Gala Durham on 03000 266 600.