If it is Christmas then it must be time for The Wizard of Oz.
This year you don’t just get to see Judy Garland – yet again – on TV in the feature film but Leeds Playhouse are putting on the stage version. As you will probably know, unless this is your very first Christmas, The Wizard of Oz is a show which takes you on a magical adventure along the Yellow Brick Road and, whilst this production will be adhering to the story of the film, it has been updated to make it more relevant to the end of the second decade of the 21st century, in fact it runs into the third. As well as song and dance the acting will be augmented by puppets and spectacular effects.
James Brining has decided to use a young cast and Dorothy will be played by a real-age actor. Actually there are two, Lucy Sherman and Agatha Meehan, who alternate in the role, as do the two Totos, Doris and Scruff!
On Friday, 13th December there is also a sing-along version where the audience is invited to dress up and belt out the classic tunes.
The Wizard of Oz runs from 20th November 2019 until 25th January 2020.
Go to https://leedsplayhouse.org.uk/events/the-wizard-of-oz/ for further information and booking details
Although The Wizard of Oz is a family show there is also something for the younger end for whom it might be a little challenging just yet. This is The Night Before Christmas written by Robert Alan Evans and is aimed at the 3-7 year olds. It tells the story of Carol who doesn’t feel very Chistmassy until Elf 30046 falls down her chimney triggering an adventure which means that they must find Father Christmas before it is too late. Well, I’m hooked.
All performances are D/deaf friendly and feature creative use of sign language.
The show runs from 30th November until 28th December with performances at 10.30am, 1.00pm and 4.30pm depending on the day.
More information and booking details can be obtained at
https://leedsplayhouse.org.uk/events/the-night-before-christmas-2/
Finally and for the even younger theatregoers there is Snow Mouse which is a winter’s tale about a child who is feeling a bit lonely but finds a sleeping mouse buried in the snow. They make friends and have a wonderful time together. The show is full of play, puppetry and music, so what is not to like.
Snow Mouse is performed at various times during the day, all details are at
https://leedsplayhouse.org.uk/events/snow-mouse/
Images provided by Leeds Playhouse
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