Sadler’s Wells has lots in store for families this autumn with the return of two much-loved shows – The Snowman and Edward Scissorhands – over the festive period.
Back at the Peacock Theatre for its 18th year, family favourite The Snowman will play from 26 November to 4 January. The Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s production, which is based on Raymond Briggs’ tale about the icy effigy that comes alive one winter’s night, combines storytelling, spectacle and magic in a show for all ages.
While Walking In The Air bellows from the Peacock Theatre’s auditorium this Christmas, Sadler’s Wells’ Islington home will play host to the first major revival of Matthew Bourne’s Edward Scissorhands. The fresh take on Tim Burton’s modern fairytale, which first premiered in 2005, will play from 2 December to 11 January and tells the touching tale of a boy left alone and unfinished in a strange world.
The Lilian Baylis Studio will also welcome its fair share of family productions through its doors during the autumn and winter months. On 1 and 2 November Curious Seed’s Chalk About will bring its playful, funny and moving look at how we see ourselves to the intimate venue. The production, which will play at the Unicorn Theatre on 16 and 17 May prior to its north London residency, invites audiences aged eight and older on a journey with Christine and Hendrik to discover the answers to big questions about identity and the meaning of life.
For children aged five and older, Arthur Pita’s The Little Match Girl will play in the studio space from 13 December to 4 January. Based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen, the show tells the story of a young street girl’s hopes and dreams through a mixture of song, dance and original music.
The quartet of family productions will arrive in the capital following Matthew Bourne’s new production of Lord Of The Flies. Inspired by William Golding’s dystopian novel about a group of schoolboys abandoned on an island, Bourne’s new work transports the action to a deserted theatre where the classmates make their own rules and civilisation before order breaks down and the show reaches its shocking climax. Suitable for ages eight and older, Lord Of The Flies will play at Sadler’s Wells from 8 to 11 October.
For full autumn listings, visit the Sadler’s Wells website.