REVIEW: Moominvalley in November at Upstairs at The Gatehouse 31 Oct - 16 Nov 2025

‘I can’t remember a better musical theatre ensemble on a pub theatre stage’ ★★★★

Spoiler alert! There are no Moomins in this show! First published in 1970, Moominvalley In November was the final novel in the Moomin series and was written by Tove Jansson at a time of profound sadness and grief in her life. Thus it is no surprise that this gentle, introspective story focusses on themes of uncertainty, loneliness and a need to belong. So, with a subtle but charming appearance by Moonmamma, Moominpapa and Moomintroll, here we focus on six strangers meeting up and in a Godot-esque way they are all waiting. A nice set up in a charming novel with interesting characters - but is it a musical?

For me, and this is hardly new thinking, the great musicals are driven by 3 things - the songs, the singing and the story. Adapted by Hans Jacob Hoeglund, Moominvalley in November ticks 2 of these boxes and that’s a pretty decent return.

For transparency - I’ve always loved the Moomins. The writing and characterisation is challenging and deep but the drawings (and later video) are joyful and really fun. For a while I got our daughter into the Moomins and still have the figurines from an advent calendar - and some of those figures are the players here. So, six very different characters arrive at a rain-soaked Autumnal Moominvalley all searching and waiting for the Moomins themselves - and so much more. 

Hobbit-like Snufkin is seeking music. Grandpa Grumble is seeking his very self. The Fillyjonk lives in Moominmamma’s shadow and is seeking a kind a freedom. Mymble is seeking her independence. The Hemulen is seeking order - but with a sense of fun. And Toft is seeking a family and a place. Now, it is highly useful to know something of these characters in advance albeit there is depth here and we get a clear understanding of their foibles and worries, hopes and dreams. Their interactions are swift and mixed - they laugh, they cry, they argue and they storm on and off the small Gatehouse stage. And, ultimately, we reach a denouement of joyful hope.

In between times there really isn’t much of a narrative let alone a plot. In its original context of the novel that is fine but for a piece of musical theatre it left me wondering what was going on more than a few times and, for the young half-term members of the audience, there was, alas, confusion and ultimately a little disinterest. Hoeglund has been true to the book but for the show to truly fly it really needed a clearer beginning, middle and end.

However, the songs and the singing are a triumph and a delight. From the opening ‘Moominvalley’ through to ‘A Family Picnic’ and Toft’s poignant closing of ‘I Can See Them’ the tunes are largely all killer no filler with smart transitions and each character given a moment (Fillyjonk’s ‘Beautiful’ is another standout track). The singing is first class and I can’t remember a better musical theatre ensemble on a pub theatre stage. The vocals soared from the well drilled cast who had great chemistry and presence - just a delight.

All the performances were strong and I’ll pick out 3 from the cast of 6. As Toft, Izzie Winter is all eyes and ‘looks to camera’ exhibiting the loneliness of a lost soul. They also have a wonderful singing voice. Jane Quinn’s Fillyjonk is bold and brash but vulnerable and, again, what a voice. Martin Callaghan’s Grandpa Grumble brings humour and warmth but, at times, can snap and bite - very good.

All of this is underpinned by Lu Herbert’s transformed Gatehouse stage which just screams ‘Moomins’ on entry and allows the cast to roam free. The on stage band of 4 led by musical director Manuel Gageiro go through the gears of joy and pain with violins, double basses and flutes. The Gatehouse has never looked better.

Ultimately I’m not entirely sure who this musical version of Moominvalley in November is for - maybe it’s just for everyone?

Moominvalley in November

Book, Music & Lyrics by Hans Jacob Hoeglund

Upstairs at The Gatehouse

BOX OFFICE https://upstairsatthegatehouse.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173665742/events/428727916



Photography: Simon Jackson