The Ugly Duckling & Other Stories at Lichfield Garrick

Fairy tales are a favourite in our house so this Christmas' family show at Lichfield's Garrick theatre really appealed to my family. In the intimate Studio Theatre within the The Garrick we watched The Princess and the Pea; The Steadfast Tin Soldier; The Emperor's New Clothes; and The Ugly Duckling. These are all Hans Christian Anderson tales that many of you will be familiar with.

The theatre was full of young families in Christmas jumpers who had come along to enjoy the show. The three actors who lead the performances came out into the audience before the performance began. This was a really nice touch and helped little children relax and meet the story tellers.

The Princess and the Pea was the first story. My girls love this fairy tale and were able to follow exactly what was going on. We loved the funny prince and the posh queen who were trying to determine if the girl washed up on their door step was a real princess. There were funny bits and clever bits. We liked the bed of many mattresses made from step ladders. Of course the princess had a terrible night's sleep and they all lived happily every after.

The next tale was the Steadfast Tin Soldier who fell in love with the paper doll across the playroom. After a series of misfortunes took him away from her, they were to be finally reunited - with a sad twist at the end.

The Emperor's New Clothes came next and this was the funniest tale. As the emperor strode around the stage in his fancy attire we watched him get sucked in and tricked. My three year old knew exactly what what going to happen next but this helped her follow the story and enjoy the show. Some audience members were invited on stage to form part of the crowd and joined in with lines in the show. We waited with baited breath to see if the emperor really would come out naked...and he does. I won't reveal exactly what happens but your children will laugh not blush.

The final story was that of The Ugly Duckling who, as we all know, fled the safety of the farm to escape the cruel words of the other animals. Ending on a happy note, my little one clapped loudly at the finale as the beautiful swan finally found out who she was.

This show is running at The Garrick in Lichfield between now and 24th December. Adult tickets are £13 and child tickets are £10.50. Children under 18 months pay just £3.

https://www.lichfieldgarrick.com/whats-on/all-shows/the-ugly-duckling-and-other-stories/3019#

Comments

Michael Morpurgo's Farm Boy @ Lichfield Garrick

The author Michael Morpurgo is a brilliant story teller and his Farm Boy story is no exception. This production has at its core a story that hooks you in and keeps you captivated. A grandfather and his grandson talk you through stories from their family that intertwine with the history of World War One and life on a farm. This play had parts that made me smile and chuckle but more parts that gave me goosebumps and a ripple of emotion. When grandfather made a confession and called on his grandson to help him, I was hooked waiting to hear the burden that he had born for his entire life. No spoilers though, come and see the play for yourself. The music in Farm Boy is an original score written by Matt Marks. It enhanced the story telling evoking memories and pictures in my mind. This combined with the strength of the story is clearly the reason the show has been at the Edinburgh Fringe and 'off Broadway' in New York. Throughout the show, there are just two actors on the stage: Gran

Midlands Family Days Out in 2023

Many of you love planning family days out. So what's better than viewing a year ahead? I will update this post to share great days out around the West Midlands for families. Many of the events that I share are either free or low cost. Feel free to book mark the this page to see new information as the year progresses. Also find me on Instagram @capablechild January Lunar New year Celebrations fill the Bullring and Grand Central with performances on Saturday 21st January. These continue in Birmingham's Southside on Sunday 22nd January with food stalls, family activities and performances. We have joined in these celebrations in previous years and my children loved the lively, bright dancing. https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/save-the-date-lunar-new-year-celebrations-return-to-birmingham-in-january/ February Dippy the Dinosaur arrives in Coventry at The Herbert Art Gallery. Tickets are free but expect them to go fast! Over half term there are family activities including crafts

Beauty and the Beast @ Lichfield Garrick

“That was so funny I nearly wet myself!” Such was my 11 year old daughter’s review of the Lichfield Garrick’s 2023 Christmas Panto - Beauty and the Beast. Truth be told, although I hopefully have more bladder control than that, I was in pretty close agreement with her. I’m not sure which part of the show was the most hilarious. It may have been the obligatory slapstick gunge and slide routine making pudding in the Beast’s castle kitchen. However, Figgy the animated (and socially borderline) Greek statue was in hot pursuit. Had I been the unsuspecting gentleman who sat on the front row I may have found the audience participation rather less comedic (he loved it really!!!). What I do know though is that by the end of the evening my sides hurt, I’d become seriously dehydrated and my daughter and I were ready for the festive Christmas season to begin! You may wonder how Beauty and the Beast could pass for panto? However, Sam Rabone’s annual Pantomime dame, reappearing as Belle’s hideously

Capable Child

Search This Blog