The Detective Dog

Three performers with dog puppet, reading the book "The Detective Dog"

For ages  

3-7

Our accessible and imaginative adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s award winning book, The Detective Dog, features puppetry, song and magical scent technology, bringing the story alive on stage for audiences of all ages.

Whether it’s finding a lost shoe or discovering who did a poo on the new gravel path, Nell’s ever-sniffing nose is always hard at work. So when the books at her owner Peter’s school have disappeared one morning, Detective Dog Nell is ready to sniff out the culprit!

Accessibility

This production sees us exploring new ways of working to create innovative and accessible theatre. The show is accessible to deaf children and their families by using clever dynamic captions and incorporated British Sign Language. We’re working with some brilliant deaf artists to make sure that the show reflects the needs of the deaf community.

Dates

Keep your eyes peeled for 2026 dates coming soon!

Creative Team

Written by Julia Donaldson and Illustrated by Sara Ogilvie

Adapted and Produced by Tiny & Tall Productions

Director Peta Maurice

Designers Katie Sykes & Ruby Brown

Composer & Sound Designer Jack Drewry

BSL Director Lynn Stewart-Taylor

Video Designer Christopher Harrisson

Lighting Designer Joe Price

Associate Composer Eva Redman

Puppetry Director Tessa Bide

Puppet Design & Maker Jess Jones

Production Manager Dean Sudron

Producer Alice Massey

Prop Maker & Painter Nerys Akers

Access Consultant Jonny Cotsen

‍R&D Performers Adam Bassett, Tessa Bide & Anna Rathbone.

With thanks to Mary Johnson.

Supported by Arts Council England, National Deaf Children's Society, Commission by ARC Stockton and Barnsley Civic.

‍

Touring Company 2025

Cast Maia Ayling, Amy Murray, Hannah Tudge, Eleanor Pead

Stage Manager Elliott Grant

Assistant Stage Manager/ Understudy Jess May-Cox

‍

Library Tour

We made a smaller version of this show, which toured libraries in the South of England in Summer 2023. Find out more about the Library show.

Photo credit to Paul Blakemore.

‍

★★★★ - The Reviews Hub

This vibrant and colourful little offering is beautifully told using British Sign Language, puppetry and music creating a multisensory experience through sight, texture and smells... Naturally, mischief and calamity ensue leaving the younger audience members engaged and utterly enthralled.

‍

★★★★ ★ - Northern Arts Review

A wonderful fifty minutes from Tiny & Tall Productions with their fantastic team and inclusivity from start to finish. Complete with songs, laughs and more energy than you could imagine. Whether you are a fan of the book or not, this is a must-see for all the family.

‍

★★★★ - All About Theatre

Accessible, exciting, and bursting with bookish fun, The Detective Dog is a fabulous family show that had our kids talking all the way home (and begging to read the book again!). With puppetry that wows, music that moves, and a message that celebrates reading, it’s the perfect introduction to theatre for little detectives aged 3–7. And just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better? The children got to meet Nell in the foyer after the show – sniffy nose and all. That moment alone sealed it as an unforgettable adventure.

‍

Two performers sat crossed legged on the floor. The male performer wearsa flat cap and holds giant library card. The female performer puppeteers a dog puppet.
Male performer sits in a wheelbarrow with his legs in the air, reading a book.
A performer with a cardboard box on their head. box has a drawings of a plant on it.
Two performers, one female, one male, wearing balck beanie hats. The female performer has a prop fish in her mouth and is standing behind a cart with a sign saying "Fish & Fry"
No items found.
No items found.
© 2021 Tiny & Tall Productions
Website developed by Ghost and John
Support us

Sign up to our mailing list