The Roald Dahl Story Company & Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival present:
The Roald Dahl Story Company:
Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile
Production Stills
Puppets in Progress
Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile: The Musical
“For my lunch today I would like… a nice juicy little child!”
The Enormous Crocodile is weaving his way through the jungle with his tummy rumbling … Only the other jungle creatures can foil his secret plans and clever tricks, but they’re going to have to find a large amount of courage to stop this greedy brute. From Trunky the Elephant to Muggle-Wump the Monkey, get to know the menagerie of creative puppets in the U.S. premiere tour of this smash U.K.-hit production. You’ll go from the jungle into outer space and back again, just in time for a wild dance party!
This mischievous musical based on Roald Dahl’s snappy book has toe-tapping tunes by Ahmed Abdullahi Gallab, a rib-tickling book and lyrics by Suhayla El-Bushra, and additional music and lyrics by Tom Brady. Developed and directed by Emily Lim, it features a menagerie of puppets by co-director and puppetry designer Toby Olié, with set and costume design by Fly Davis, puppetry co-designed and supervised by Daisy Beattie, casting by Annelie Powell, choreography by Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu, lighting by Jessica Hung Han Yun and sound by Tom Gibbons. Originally co-produced by Roald Dahl Story Company, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and Leeds Playhouse.
In Conversation With The Enormous Crocodile Directors Emily Lim and Toby Olié
by Mags Richards, Leeds Living
Ten puppet-makers spent three months creating twenty puppets for the Roald Dahl classic. Here, we bring you images from behind the scenes from puppetry designer Toby Olié’s workshop as the co-directors Toby and Emily Lim tell us about bringing The Enormous Crocodile to the stage.
Event Details
Dates/Times:
The 2026 Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival has concluded, but tickets can still be purchased through our partner The Studebaker Theater for shows running Feb. 2 to Feb. 21, 2026 for The Enormous Crocodile.
For Tickets, Questions, Directions, Accessibility, Parking info and More CLICK HERE to reach The Studebaker Theater
CLICK HERE to join the mailing list and receive the 2027 Festival Brochure
Location:
The Studebaker Theater
in the Fine Arts Building
410 S. Michigan Ave.
Cost:
$48 Regular
$40 Students and Seniors
Ages: All Ages
Running Time: 60 mins (no intermission)
ADA Accessible? Yes
Accessibility Info
About the Artists
About the Venue
About the Artists
England
The Roald Dahl Story Company (RDSC) is the home of Roald Dahl’s much-loved stories and characters. With over 300 million books sold globally and translated into 68 languages, the stories have entertained generations of kids and adults with their unique mix of mischief, dark humor and irreverence.
Together with their parent company Netflix, and united by their love of these great stories, they’re working with some of the world’s best storytellers and creative minds to bring them to life in bold new ways that will surprise and delight existing and new fans. This includes animated and live action films and series, publishing, theatre, immersive experiences, games, consumer products, brand partnerships, and more.
More at: enormouscrocodilemusical.com
About the Venue
The Studebaker Theater, located in the heart of the Fine Arts Building, has been a beacon of Chicago’s arts and culture scene since the late 1800s. Originally established as a space for vaudeville and live theater, this beautifully restored venue is renowned for its intricate architecture and rich history. This year, the Studebaker Theater will serve as a centerpiece for the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, hosting some of our most captivating performances. Audiences can immerse themselves in the festival’s magic while surrounded by the unique charm and legacy of this historic theater, making it a perfect setting for a celebration of puppetry and the arts.
