Drama Blog - Sometimes even the best laid plans…

I had hoped to be writing a post about the wonderful Year 5 and their production of Hans, but, rather unluckily, Covid closed our show. All was not lost though - on Tuesday, Year 1 watched the dress rehearsal (at a distance) and were very engaged throughout. The Drama department and Year 5 will keep their fingers crossed that we can perform Hans early next year.

Our Year 5 Hans Company

In the meantime, you might like to watch a couple of theatre productions from the comfort of your own home, (yes, I know it’s not the same as being in the theatre but it’s a different experience!). Below are details of some of the shows that your child and the family might enjoy… do check the age suitability and subject matter before watching!

For our top 10 recommendations, see below:

1. The Old Vic is live streaming Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (suitable for age 8 upwards)

https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2020/old-vic-in-camera/a-christmas-carol-5

(I watched this magical show last year and highly recommend it.)

2. The Unicorn Theatre presents a show online for the very young about penguins

https://www.unicorntheatre.com/huddle_2020

(In case you didn’t know, the Unicorn produces shows solely for children, and they are generally of a very high standard)

3. Tron Theatre is also presenting a show online about a magic elf

https://www.tron.co.uk/product/ali-the-magic-elf/

(Tron Theatre is based in Glasgow so this is an ideal opportunity to watch their Christmas show without having to make the long drive to Scotland. They regularly are awarded 5 stars at Edinburgh Fringe.)

4. Iris Theatre is performing an online interactive storytelling adventure of The Snow Queen

https://iristheatre.com/event/iris-theatre-winter-season-on-sale-now/

(I have never seen this company perform but I did like the sound of an interactive show. Do let me know what you think if you watch it.)

5. Northern Stage and Kitchen Zoo have collaborated to perform a brand new production of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Emperor’s New Clothes online

https://www.northernstage.co.uk/Event/the-emperors-new-clothes

(Northern Stage is based in Newcastle and has a reputation for producing innovative and daring work. Their shows are generally very exciting to watch.)

6. For those of you who love watching a pantomime at Christmas, Nottingham Playhouse is performing Cinderella

https://nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/events/cinderella-on-demand/

(There is also an activity pack on their website for you to create your own theatre, and maybe perform your own pantomimes in the family. Hurrah!)

7. Sleeping Trees are performing the following alternative pantomime, The Legend of Moby Dick, suitable for all the family:

https://sleepingtrees.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/the_legend_of_moby_dick_whittington/ba

(A theatre company I don’t know but I thought their show looked fun.)

As I collate these Christmas shows, I notice that the below productions are actually being performed in the theatre, but that could all change over-night! Please take care if you do venture to the theatre.

8. Tall Stories is performing The Gruffalo’s Child at the Alexandra Palace in London

https://www.alexandrapalace.com/whats-on/the-gruffalos-child/#event_content

(Anything with the word Gruffalo in the title is always a hit!)

9. The English Ballet is performing Nutcracker Delights at the London Coliseum

https://www.ballet.org.uk/production/nutcracker-delights/

(For the ballet fans amongst us - this looks rather beautiful)

10. The National Theatre Collection online

Drama Online - Home (dramaonlinelibrary.com)

(We have taken out a subscription to this service and our license extends to the Dolphin community at home! Please login using the username ‘Dolphin’ and the password ‘M@cbeth’ to see which productions are available to us. Some of your children have already enjoyed something from this collection; recommended age ratings are given below each video.)

The Drama department hopes you can take advantage of one or two of the above shows during the winter break. Have a happy, albeit, socially distanced holiday and look forward to seeing you next year.