Magical Matinees: 4 shows to see this Boxing Day (and beyond)
Come for the classics, stay for new reimaginings for all the family
A belated Merry Christmas from Matinee Mouse!
We hope everyone has had a joyful day with your loved ones and thinking of those missing someone this festive season.
Whether you're in need of inspiration for the next show to see, or just looking to take the family out for a stagey day out before work and school starts again, we've got you covered with the first post in our new series, Magical Matinees, highlighting shows not to be missed this season - so read on to keep the festive spirit going!
A whimsical retelling of the sweet children's classic for everyone 🍭
Ever heard of a house made from bread, cake, sugar and everything sweet? The Brothers Grimm's fairy tale Hansel and Gretel is one of the most well-known stories many of us grew up with. Taking a break from the bard this Christmas, the famous ‘Wooden O’ by London's South Bank - otherwise known as Shakespeare's Globe - stages an energetic new version within the gorgeous setting of the semi-outdoor space, naturally resembling… you've guessed it, the house in the story!
Join the Narrator in revisiting the famous story, told using the poetic words of Simon Armitage set to all-new music by Magnus Mehta and Patrick Pearson; you'll venture through the woods into (spoiler alert!) The Witch's house, with larger-than-life props - an inflatable swan included - and plenty of chances to join in with the action, all in 60 minutes of family-friendly fun.
Nick Bagnall's direction retains the integrity of the original story while injecting plenty of lighthearted comedy to keep the audience engaged; puppet birds fly through the audience, human-sized popsicles dance across the stage and the Witch attempts to rap to the beat before descending into a slapstick-style chase with Hansel and Gretel determined to escape their sugary fate - what's not to love?
We've visited the show earlier this month (follow us on all social platforms so you don't miss another visit!), and you can join in with the fun too from just £5!Stand in the pit to immerse yourself in the story (be prepared for all weather conditions though!), or grab a seat in one of the historic galleries surrounding the auditorium from £20.
ℹ️ Access Scheme members can receive adjusted ticket pricing and register their requirements with an online account. More information on eligibility and how to sign up here.
at Shakespeare's Globe until 5 Jan
Loved The Christmasaurus? Discover a new musical adventure 🔦
While Tom Fletcher might be best known for being a founding member of McFly, his children's books are certainly making a splash on stage this season off the back of the success with the likes of The Christmasaurus and the recent run of There's a Monster In Your Show, with the latest musical adaptation of The Creakers by Miranda Larson.
Following an initial run at Theatre Royal Plymouth, the production now makes its way onto the London stage at the Southbank Centre, featuring a 14-strong cast who brings those creatures hiding under your bed to life! The show also features additional musical material by Steven Battelle with McFly's Danny Jones and Dougie Poynter, orchestrated by Steven Sidwell.
Ahead of seeing the show next week, we currently have Fletcher's song Don't Turn Out The Light (its lyrics containing the show title - can confirm it's definitely a bop!) on loop - it's the first in a ten-track companion album to the novel, which you can listen along below!
We'll take you with us on our Instagram @matineemouse for the upcoming Relaxed Performance on Thursday 2 Jan (there's another one on Saturday 4 Jan), but in the meantime, snap up those very limited tickets for the final week of its London run from just £20!
ℹ️ If you are a member of the Southbank Centre's Access Scheme, you may be entitled to Access Concessions, including free companion tickets.
at Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall until 5 Jan
Be part of a new world (under the sea) with Bristol's Mermaid 🧜🏼♀️
There are no Gadgets, Gizmos, Whozits and Whatzits to be found in this production, but Bristol Old Vic's The Little Mermaid is every bit just as magical.
Following a wondrous adventure with Chichester's The Jungle Book last year (head to the Access story highlights on our Instagram for a snippet of our visit), writer Sonali Bhattacharyya is Bristol-bound to reinvent another festive staple. A highly movement-based interpretation, the creative force is led by director Miranda Cromwell, with soaring (in a literal sense) circus acrobatics, flowing puppetry, pumped up with original rhythms and tunes by Femi Temowo.
We're looking forward to the Relaxed Performance tomorrow - there's a range of ticket prices available from £12, with options to pay more or less depending on your circumstances using the Open Concession or Pay It Forward scheme.
Visit Support Resources including a Relaxed Information Pack, Audio Described Introductory Notes and an Education Pack are available to view on the Bristol Old Vic website.
Bringing younger kids? Check out Little Red while you're here…
Another fairy tale classic is given a new take by director Lisa Gregan with a twist - Little Red (& other winter tales) sees three stories converge in a piece for children aged 3-7, where a particular riding hood meets a dancing heel to find a glowing flame from life-giving matches…
If these stories sound familiar, it's because they are once again traditional stories Bristol audiences will now have the opportunity to experience in a new version, with dramaturgy devised by writer-in-the-room Florence Espeut-Nickless and multi-roled by a cast of three within the intimacy of The Weston Studio - performances are often on the same day as The Little Mermaid too for a two-show day!
Tickets start from £12 for Children 18 or under and £14 for Adults. Babes in Arms (under 18 months) can attend for free with a full paying adult.
The 3pm performance this Saturday 28 Dec will be Relaxed and BSL-interpreted.
ℹ️ To obtain an Essential Companion ticket for both shows, either an Access Card or Digital Access Pass registration with Nimbus Disability is now required. Find out more here.
at Bristol Old Vic, Theatre and The Weston Studio until 12 Jan
If any (or all) of these shows take your fancy, act now to secure your tickets as they have their final performances soon!
Hungry for more to beat the January blues? Check back next week for more of our recommendations for a theatrical night-out, and comment below with your favourites this year!