• Advertise
  • Request Review
  • Write for Us
  • Privacy
  • Login

Theatre Bubble

The UK Theatre Network

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Features
  • Spotlight
  • Opinions
  • Interviews
  • Guides
  • Tickets

Round Up / Five of the best kid’s adaptations to see this Christmas

November 13, 2019 by Tom Bailey Leave a Comment

Children’s theatre is no longer exclusively drama students in brightly coloured dungarees and hand-wringing TIE – these adaptations of well known books by theatre makers at the very top of their game will serve as fantastic alternatives to panto for families looking for a literary treat this festive season.

 

Black Beauty by Red Bridge Arts

It’s Black Beauty, but not as you know it… From the cosy horsebox they call home, pantomime horse artists Andy and Andy take the bit firmly between their teeth and gallop headlong into a story where loneliness gives way to hope, friends become heroes, and courage saves the day. An inventive new take on Anna Sewell’s tale blending storytelling, music and puppetry by Scottish theatre makers Red Bridge Arts and the Traverse Theatre.
Southbank Centre, London, 14 Dec 2019 – 5 Jan 2020
Ages 5+
More information and tickets.

 

The Ocean at the End of the Lane

Returning to his childhood home, Alex finds himself standing beside the duck pond of the old Sussex farmhouse where he used to play. He’s transported to his 12th birthday, spring half term. When his dad was struggling to make ends meet and his friend Lettie claimed it wasn’t a pond, but an ocean… Adapted from the Neil Gaiman by Joel Horwood and featuring costume and puppet design by Theatre Bubble favourite Samuel Wyer (in fact the whole team is seriously brilliant) – we’re pretty excited about this one.
National Theatre, London 3 Dec 2019 – to 25 Jan 2020
Ages 12+
More information and tickets.

 

The Little Prince by Luca Silvestrini’s Protein

Loved by children and adults around the world for generations, the classic tale by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry has been given a fresh and witty new adaptation using Luca Silvestrini’s distinctive blend of dance, humour, words and music. Following its premiere at DanceEast for Christmas 2018, the show will be touring the UK and settling at The Place for Christmas 2019. Audiences will be invited to join the Little Prince as he journeys through a weird and wonderful universe, meeting fascinating characters along the way whilst learning about the value of friendship and love.
The Place, London 17 – 24 Dec 2019
Ages 5+
More information and tickets.

 

Swiss Family Robinson by New Old Friends

When a family find themselves shipwrecked on a deserted island, they have to use all of their wits, strengths and skills to build a new home. As well as finding shelter and safety on the island, they (and their dog – see our interview with Scruff here) must also make friends with the local inhabitants who are all manner of creatures, some friendly and some not. Adapted from the Johann David Wyss novel, New Old Friends bring the 19th century story right up to date with humour, puppets and the sort of delightful contraptions you might see in Wallace & Gromit, or classic board-game Mousetrap.
The Core at Corby Cube, Northamptonshire 6 – 29 Dec 2019
Ages 6+
More information and tickets.

 

Strange Tales by Grid Iron

Written in China centuries ago, Pu Songling’s Strange Tales are now adapted for stage by the acclaimed immersive theatre company Grid Iron in co-production with the Traverse Theatre. This thrilling immersive production uses puppetry, movement and cutting-edge digital technology to thrust you right into the pages of the tales themselves. Filled with intrigue, mysticism, magic, sensuality, and a dash of terror, Strange Tales will draw you into a world full of mischievous fox spirits, yearning ghosts and shapeshifting creatures where anything and everything is possible.
Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, 30 Nov – 21 Dec 2019
Ages 14+
More information and tickets.

 

Author: Tom BaileyTom is a theatre maker and writer based in London, England. He covers news and interviews for Theatre Bubble.
T: Twitter F: Facebook

Filed Under: Featured, Opinion Tagged With: Children's Theatre, Christmas, Christmas shows, Christmas theatre, Kid's books, kid's shows, round up, Theatre

Join the discussion Cancel reply

INTERVIEW / Silent Faces on Godot is a Woman’s first UK Tour

Silent Faces return to the stage with their signature style of playful and political physical theatre, interrogating permission, patriarchy, and [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Max Rinehart on The Retreat

We spoke to actor Max Rinehart about his experience working on the European premiere of Jason Sherman’s The Retreat at [Read More]

NEWS / Frozen Light celebrate 10 years with Sensory Symposium

The UK’s premiere company for adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities invites industry professionals of all genres and sensory [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Jenny Foulds on Life Learnings of a Nonsensical Human

Performer Jenny Foulds tells us about her forthcoming one woman show Life Learnings of a Nonsensical Human, coming to the [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Monique Touko on We Need New Names

We Need New Names is a defiant and exuberant coming-of-age story follows a young girl from the playgrounds of Zimbabwe [Read More]

Top Posts & Pages

  • 5 Stage Elements to Consider for a Rousing Theatrical Production
  • Does Small to Mid Scale Theatre Touring Actually Work?
  • Katy Owen: Auditioning for Oxford School of Drama
  • 5 Tools for Actors to Enter the Theatre World like a Pro
  • Inga Björn and Kristiina Tammisalo on Receptionists
  • Yasmin Paige on Actually
  • 10 Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Reality TV Auditions
  • Joseph Grimaldi Clown Memorial Service
  • Actor's Corner: An Inclusive Industry with Enyi Okoronkwo
  • Spotlight On: The London Clown Festival
  • Tom Bailey
    Editor

  • November 13th, 2019
  • comment iconNo Comments
  • FacebookTweetLinkedInEmail

    Newsletter

    Enjoyed what you've read? Get even more great content directly to your inbox - Completely Free

    About Theatre Bubble

    Theatre Bubble is the news, review and blogging site created by Blue Pie Media and run by a dedicated team of outstanding editors and writers: we're always looking for new contributors - to find out more click here.

    Contact Us

    News: news@theatrebubble.com
    Reviews: reviews@theatrebubble.com
    Website: webmaster@theatrebubble.com

    Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2023 · Blue Pie Media

     

    Loading Comments...
     

      Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

      Email sent!