The Story

On a distant mountaintop, the Grim Grey Ogres live a life of unquestioning gloom, repetition and pointlessness. They have lived this way forever. One day two children arrive from the world below carried by a giant butterfly. The beauty of the butterfly causes the Ogres to cover their eyes as they fear and mistrust the ‘world of colour’.

The children themselves aren’t sure why the butterfly has brought them there but come to realise that by sharing their stories, they may be able to inspire the Ogres to try new things and feel better about themselves. For example, they might observe nature and draw like The Butterfly Watcher, or delight in playing music like The Young Harmonica Player. Every story has something new to enjoy and think about. There is a surprising twist in the tale of Old Wassiname and mischievous fun with the giant Squidgerly Squasherly Slug! The chief Ogres resist the attractions of this dangerous new world but the ‘littlest ogre’ Number 27 is inspired. He (or she) is left to choose: head for this exciting new world or stay safe in the old ways?

The second half of the story has more temptations and delights to offer. We see the amazing energy and acrobatics of The Zaprobats and witness the mysterious magic of the Light Box; almost all of the Ogres are won over. Only Ogre Number 1 (the Over-Ogre and leader of the clan) resists until the ridiculous comedy of Theobald Truff finally causes him to laugh out loud at himself for the first time ever!

The Ogres have opened their eyes and ears to other points of view and learned to appreciate that life doesn’t always have to be grey; the poem, Our River reflects on this. The entire cast and audience then join together in the Grand Finale during which the Ogres throw off their grey garments and celebrate a world of colour, music, diversity, optimism and imagination.