The Cockpit in London has announced its highly anticipated Christmas production for 2023.
Titled “A Church Street Fairytale,” this magical adventure promises to enchant audiences of all ages with its delightful songs, silly gags, audience participation, and a host of beloved characters. Co-directed by Dave Wybrow and Kathryn Gardner, the show is set to run from Friday, 8th December, until Saturday, 30th December 2023.
The storyline revolves around the troubles brewing on Church Street. The notorious Big Bad Wolf is on a mission to blow down the neighborhood and erect luxury flats, Robin Hood has somehow misplaced his arrows, and a mysterious intruder keeps breaking into houses and devouring all the porridge. In the face of such chaos, the community is in dire need of a hero.
A Church Street Fairytale is part of The Cockpit’s annual tradition of presenting fresh and exciting adventures for families during the Christmas season. With every production, the theater strives to captivate audiences with original stories built upon the magical characters and tales that everyone holds dear.
The Quotes
Co-director and writer Kathryn Gardner said, “I strive to create magical adventures that are packed with all the fun, fantasy, characters and narratives you would expect from a classic Christmas show – but with relatable subjects, real life dilemmas and familiar environments that children from all parts of our community will recognise.
This is contemporary storytelling for a new London that captures the nostalgia and warm glow of the festive season and brings it up to date. Questioning archetypes, confronting modern issues… All with an ‘it’s behind you’, a pie in the face, and a good villain to boo at!audiences original stories built around the magical characters and tales we all know and love.”
Co-director Dave Wybrow said, “Life’s been tough, but vibrancy is back: The Cockpit’s here for kids to re-engage with live theatre – some of whom have never been. Panto conventions are the best way to get that magic happening – no matter what your first language – and A Church Street Fairytale will use them without shame.
The show is going to be fun: it’s going to be inclusive and affordable, it’s going to deliver Christmas messages of wonder, generosity, courage and goodness and it’s going to be as loud, bright, different, intelligent and beautiful as the kids we are here to serve.”
