A Northumberland theatre is set to premiere a retelling of a family favourite this winter before being performed at the Alnwick Garden next summer.
The Queen's Hall Arts Centre in Hexham will open The Wind in the Willows from December 10 - 31 and an ensemble of 24 local young people will star alongside the professional cast in the battle for Toad Hall. The new production aims to combine all the joy and mystery of Kenneth Grahame's much-loved classic with a "lightness of touch and playful theatricality."
The performance has been adapted by award-winning playwright Mike Kenny and will be directed by Alnwick Playhouse artistic director Damian Cruden, while music by Christopher Madin will be performed live on stage by the cast. And for the first time, there was an open call for local young people to perform in the main stage Christmas show.
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They will perform alongside the professional cast, supported by Queen's Hall arts youth theatre director Susan Betts. Stefanie Todd, whose son Archie is in the show, said: "Archie has been so excited to get this opportunity to work alongside professional actors and be a part of such an exciting show.
"Not only that, but he is delighted that his friends and family can see him perform at the Queen’s Hall where he has watched shows in the past. This is such an amazing experience for the kids to gain confidence, to work alongside other children from different schools, to meet the professional choreographers, directors, actors and experience the bright lights.
"I'm so excited to see them perform. I will be one proud mum!"
Sam Coulthard, one of the young people taking part, added: "I love acting and what better way to act than in your local theatre?"
Damien Cruden, artistic director of Alnwick Playhouse, said: "It's great to be working alongside the Queen’s Hall and The Alnwick Garden to create this fantastic new version of The Wind in the Willows. Drawing on the creativity of the region, a young people's company of hedgehogs, weasels and stoats will help us to create a memorable trip to the theatre for the whole family."
Katy Taylor, artistic director and chief executive of Queen's Hall Arts, said: "We’re delighted to welcome families to the Queen’s Hall this Christmas with a fantastic festive show for the whole family. And we’re particularly excited to showcase the talents of local young people on our stage alongside a professional cast of actor-musicians, we can’t wait to share this show with audiences."
The Wind in the Willows is at the Queen's Hall from December 10 - 31, and there are relaxed and British Sign Language Interpreted performances. Tickets start from £16.50 - for more information or to book tickets, visit the Queen's Hall website or call the box office on 01434 652 477.
What shows are you planning to see this Christmas? Let us know!
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