Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Waterside
Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor
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.
