A Little Princess at Theatre by the Lake

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

Book now

A Little Princess

Theatre by the Lake, Carlisle and Keswick
17 November 2023-7 January 2024

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

A Little Princess at Theatre by the Lake
Image courtesy of Theatre by the Lake.
Book now

We can always rely on Theatre by the Lake to bring something a little different in the way of family productions at Christmas. This Christmas – following the success of The Secret Garden in 2017 – the team present another Frances Hodgson Burnett classic, A Little Princess, a brand-new performance suitable for children aged 6+ and their families.

A wondrous theatrical experience for the whole family to share this Christmas.

Adapted for the stage by Amanda Dalton, A Little Princess is a beautiful translation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s much-loved children’s story. Celebrating the magic of storytelling, this world premiere promises to be a wondrous theatrical experience for the whole family to share this Christmas.

This new adaptation tells the story of Sara Crewe, as she travels from the freedom of her childhood in India to a boarding school in Northern England. Just as she starts to build a brighter world for herself and her friends, she receives devastating news from home and her life takes a different turn.

Meanwhile, our storyteller, Ramdas, is travelling from Shimla with some news that could change everything. He is on a journey to find the girl with a strong heart and a head full of imagination before it’s too late.

An array of unforgettable characters, an original musical score and clever puppetry…

With a talented cast of nine, Genevieve Sabherwal drives the story as Sara Crewe alongside Ronny Jhutti, Natalie Blair, Victoria Brazier, Tori Burgess, Ella Dunlop, Jonny McGarrity, Eve Pereira and Meriel Schofield. The ensemble will also be joined on stage by a youth cast of 24 talented young performers from the local area.

Director of the production and Artistic Director of Theatre by the Lake, Liz Stevenson told us, “As a child, I saw a film adaptation of A Little Princess at the cinema and it has stayed with me ever since. In 2017 I had a wonderful time directing The Secret Garden for Theatre by the Lake at Christmas and I remember thinking that one day I’d love to make a new production of Burnett’s other classic tale. Several years later, I’m thrilled to be directing Amanda’s new adaptation. It is a celebration of imagination, underpinned by the belief that stories can change the world. I can’t wait to work with this huge group of talented and diverse performers and creatives to share this story with our audiences at Christmas.”

A Little Princess celebrates courage against adversity and the importance of imagination and friendship.

Introducing an array of unforgettable characters, an original musical score and clever puppetry, this charming children’s tale is brought to life on stage. Uplifting and magical, A Little Princess celebrates courage against adversity and the importance of imagination and friendship.

Where to go near A Little Princess at Theatre by the Lake

Cumbria
Restaurant
Fellpack

Origionally a restaurant, but now also a hotel, Fellpack specialises in warming British-fusion cuisine from their high quality bistro.

Cumbria
Gallery
Northern Lights Gallery

Nestled in Keswick’s beautiful rolling landscapes, Northern Lights Gallery exhibits art captivating enough to match the local surroundings.

Cumbria
Museum
The Puzzling Place

Interactive optical illusion, for each visitor to immerse themselves in. This specialty museum in Keswick will baffle, surprise and amuse.

The Kirkgate, Cockermouth, image via Visit Cumbria
Cumbria
Music venue
The Kirkgate, Cockermouth

A theatre-cum cinema in Cockermouth offering a wide programme of touring theatre, music, independent film and events to townsfolk and visitors.

What's on: Theatre

A large mechanical puppet controlled by multiple people. Encounter Festival in Preston
FestivalsLancashire
Encounter Festival in Preston

Expect a jam-packed day of outdoor performance, live music, family fun – plus Preston’s iconic Torchlight Procession and fireworks finale.

Free entry
FLIGHT at Aviva Studios
Until
TheatreCity Centre
FLIGHT at Aviva Studios

Happening in absolute darkness inside a 40ft shipping container, FLIGHT invites you to board a commercial airliner – and take two possible journeys.

From £10.00
How a Spiral Works at Lowry
TheatreSalford
How A Spiral Works at Lowry

With its blend of Baltic folk music, contemporary dance and extraordinary circus, this show promises a one-of-a-kind performance experience.

From £14.00
ARCADE at Lowry
Until
TheatreMediaCityUK
ARCADE at Lowry

A choose-your-own-adventure experience set inside a retro-style gaming cabinet, created by DARKFIELD.

From £16.00
SÉANCE at HOME
Until
TheatreManchester
SÉANCE at HOME

Happening at HOME, SÉANCE transforms the interior of a shipping container into a Victorian séance room.

From £13.00

Culture Guides

Cinema in the North

This month we recommend a season of Film noir, cult Australian movies and a huge celebration of DIY community cinema.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

This season’s theatre is gloriously eclectic: from radical cabaret and reinvented classics to new musicals and boundary-pushing performance.

Exhibitions in the North

Galleries around the North are gearing up for a new season of exhibitions - from iconic art prizes to smaller, artist-led gems.

Wisp Press Image
Music in the North

From corrupted shoegaze to experimental electronica, post-hardcore to Indian classical, these are the shows that should be on your radar.