Chickenshed will celebrate its 40th anniversary in style this Christmas with 800 performers set to appear in a revival of one of its most popular ever festive shows, ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas.
Playing from 27 November to 11 January, the huge cast will be split into four groups, which will each take their turn in bringing to life the leading children’s theatre’s tale that draw together a host of festive favourites, from The Snow Queen to Ebenezer Scrooge, into one magical story.
Set on Christmas Eve, a group of children, too excited to sleep, discovers they have been delivered the wrong presents. Determined to present the true owners with their gifts, they head off on an enchanting journey on which they must learn the true meaning of Christmas – and all before midnight!
The all-singing, all-dancing production will feature performances from two of the original cast members from the show’s 1992 run at the Place theatre. Robin Shillinglaw, who first appeared as a Sleigh Kid will return as everyone’s favourite rosy nosed caribou Rudolph, while his former co-star Emma Cambridge will play the Matchstick Seller.
Continuing Chickenshed’s acclaimed reputation for inclusiveness, ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas will intergrate sign language into every performance to ensure hearing impaired audience members can enjoy all the festive action without the need of a signer.