Writers: Simon Mole, Gecko and Peader Kirk
Director: Peader Kirk
Half term has finished here in Birmingham, and some lucky children got to spend it singing, dancing, and 
laughing along to dinosaur facts and poetry with The Great Big Dinosaur Show. From silly puns to quirky songs and lots of opportunities for interaction, this is a treat for young dino fans as well as their adults.
The Great Big Dinosaur Show is inspired by Simon Mole’s A First Book of Dinosaurs, and performed by Mole and a musician called Gecko. Mole and Gecko sing and share poetry and dinosaur facts throughout the 50-minute show, which is well-paced for a young audience with short attention spans. Gecko’s songs are whimsical yet catchy and often involve an easy chorus which everyone can sing, while Mole’s poetry is expressive and full of wonder. They talk to the audience, inviting kids to share their favourite facts and to take part in small segments of the show both onstage and off. From brachiosaurus to t-rex, from Triassic to Cretaceous, this introduction to dinosaurs has it all.
Mole and Gecko are unique and engaging performers. They are clearly enthusiastic about their subject matter, and they bring their own enjoyment and personality to this show. Their rapport with each other allows them to banter and improv with tongue-in-cheek, which makes them personable and empathetic to watch. Gecko’s music is joyful and full-bodied. They feel like campfire songs, encouraging playfulness and singing along.
Mole is clearly the leader of the two – he takes the lead on pushing the show forward, only sometimes getting carried away with facts or being amusingly interrupted by Gecko. Mole’s poetry, which is featured in the book, ranges from onomatopoeic to contemporary beat poetry, certainly bringing a new stylistic element to the genre of books about dinosaurs. His presenting style is warm and welcoming, and although there are facts shared there are also plenty of opportunities to be silly and imaginative (remember to bring a sock or two!). There is even a heartwarming ending, brought home by a disco meteor.
The Great Big Dinosaur Show is not as big and scary as it may sound. It’s a wholesome and enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, introducing poetry and dinosaurs in a light-hearted, fun, and approachable way. The Great Big Dinosaur Show is perfect for the dinosaur fan in your family.
Reviewed on 1 June 2025 and on tour
