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.
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