Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Waterside

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor

Raymond Briggs' Father Christmas at Waterside, Manchester 4 — 31 December 2018 Tickets from £12.5 — Book now

Waterside have come up trumps once again this Christmas for an enchanting show for children age 11 and under.  Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas is a top pick for those who are after a more funny and less schmaltzy festive family show.

Pins and Needles Productions return with their trademark style of bringing classic tales to (more than) life.

Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas was first published in 1973. Like his other wintery classic The Snowman, it can now be enjoyed by two generations of readers together which is pretty powerful stuff. Inspired by drawing parallels with Father Christmas’s “job” and his own father’s work as a milkman, it’s no coincidence that Briggs’ stories endure because he brings to life the “real” worlds behind the legends and fantasies.

So Father Christmas is a super grumpy character in his preparation for Christmas Eve, the most busiest day of the year. As he attempts to prepare for his long journey to deliver presents to every sleeping child across the world, things definitely don’t run smoothly. Witness him grumpily battling treacherous weather and squeezing down soot-covered chimneys. Mischief is enhanced by cheeky pets Cat and Dog.

Pins and Needles are famed for their cunning staging and set design. Much magic (and comedy) comes from sound, puppetry and surprises that will leave little ones agog and still believing.

We love that, for all evening performances, kid are encouraged to come in their onesies and pyjamas with cuddly toys that might also need a festive night out.

You can also pre-book milk and cookie packs for an extra treat at the bargainous cost of £2.

 

Raymond Briggs' Father Christmas at Waterside, Manchester 4 — 31 December 2018 Tickets from £12.5 Book now

What's on at Waterside

Roger McGough
LiteratureManchester
Roger McGough at Waterside

One of the famous Liverpool Poets of the Sixties, Roger McGough – ‘the patron saint of poetry’ according to former Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy – takes to the stage.

from £20.00

Where to go near Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Waterside

Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Bean and Brush Art Café

Bean & Brush is a family art café in Sale which serves simple, tasty food with ingredients sourced from local suppliers. The bonus for parents is the arts and crafts studio which keeps the kids busy being creative while they can join in or relax with a coffee.

Manchester
Park
Grosvenor Square

Grosvenor Square is one of the few open spaces along Oxford Road Manchester; on sunny days, students from the nearby Manchester School of Art come out to bask.

Manchester
Park
Walkden Gardens

Walkden Gardens in the Manchester suburbs has all the makings of a fairy tale garden. As a venue, it’s hard to imagine a more magical gateway, a wonderful escape only a short(ish) stroll from the Brooklands Metrolink stop..

Sale
Restaurant
Meze & More

An intimate supper club in Sale, South Manchester, with a specialist focus on Middle Eastern and Greek cuisine.

Beech Road, Chorlton
Restaurant
Mish Mash

Cocktails and craft beer along side a menu of British food ‘with a twist’. Mish Mash is currently closed for a refurb.

longford park ben williams
Manchester
Park
Longford Park

Longford Park in Stretford was created in the grounds of Longford Hall, the grand entrance steps of which remain.

What's on: Families

OUTDOOR ART CLUB AT THE WHITWORTH
Until
ChildrensManchester
Outdoor Art Club at The Whitworth

Enjoy fun and creative activities designed to encourage your little ones to play freely in the fresh air, while exploring nature and the outdoors with family and friends.

free entry

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in Manchester and the North

Affecting contemporary performances and fresh, relevant takes on enduring classics, we pick out shows that help us scrutinise the world we live in.

Teenage Dads
Music in Manchester and the North

Fresh concert seasons, forward-thinking festivals and a revolving door of amazing gigs. Things are looking bright as spring comes into view.