The Adventures of Mrs Pepperpot

Writer

Gilly Tompkins holds the stage rights to Mrs Pepperpot and is currently bringing this much-loved character to life in a brand-new stage adaptation. Created by Norwegian author Alf Prøysen, Mrs Pepperpot first appeared in print in 1956 and has since enchanted generations of children around the world.

At the heart of the stories is a wonderfully inventive idea: Mrs Pepperpot, a quietly determined woman living in the countryside with her husband, has an extraordinary secret. From time to time, she shrinks—suddenly and without warning—down to the size of a pepperpot. Rather than being a hindrance, this transformation opens up a whole new world. When small, Mrs Pepperpot can speak with animals, understand their lives, and navigate adventures from an entirely unexpected perspective. Courageous, resourceful, and endlessly curious, she always finds a way through whatever challenges she faces.

This adaptation brings a timeless, playful spirit to the stage, offering rich opportunities for imaginative storytelling, physical comedy, music, and heart. With its blend of warmth, wit, and quiet subversion, Mrs Pepperpot feels perfectly placed for contemporary family audiences while retaining the charm that has made the books endure for nearly seventy years.

Gilly Tompkins brings formidable experience to the project. She previously played the titular role in the West End production of Gangsta Granny, a show that went on to receive Olivier Award recognition, cementing its place as one of the most successful and celebrated family productions of recent years. Her deep understanding of family theatre, combined with a personal creative investment in the material, makes this adaptation of Mrs Pepperpot an especially exciting prospect.