Norfolk families to be wowed by ‘wildly imaginative’ festive show.

A ‘wildly imaginative’ play is set to wow families this Christmas.  Much loved Norfolk-based fEAST Theatre in partnership with Wells Maltings will be bringing their very special show to the recently refurbished Wells theatre this Christmas. Not another panto, and more than just a musical, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ promises something new in festive entertainment.

This play will provide gasps and laughs aplenty for audiences of all ages, but will also leave its showdown ending in the hands of its audience. The play begins in a prison for story-book villains. One of the inmates, the notorious baddie Elderberry Yacht, is serving time for trying to destroy Christmas twenty years earlier. Now, as the festive season approaches once again, he’s demanding to be released. He will make his case to Emily who, as a plucky child, saved Christmas all those years ago and, in the process, helped get Elderberry banged up. Emily and Elderberry will together tell the hilarious story of that extraordinary Christmas crime and at the end of the show the audience will decide if our villain should be released.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ is a fast-moving story full of absurd jokes, memorable songs and host of colourful characters all played by the talented (and incredibly adaptable) Amy Lunn and Marcus Churchill. Previously a smash hit for Hull Truck, Nick Lane’s action-packed play has been adapted by the author for its Norfolk setting and given a new score by its original composer Tristan Parkes.

fEAST Theatre were last at Wells Maltings with their sell-out show Into Thin Air.  Artistic director Dawn Finnerty says of this new production, “We promise it will be a Christmas show with a difference – short, punchy and peppered with humour for all ages. We very much hope that regulars and newcomers to fEAST shows will come along and bring their children or grandchildren with them.”

Director of Wells Maltings Simon Daykin is also enthusiastic about this Christmas collaboration.  “It’s very exciting to be working with fEAST theatre in bringing some festive family fun to Wells this Christmas,” he says.  “We are reaching out to everyone across the county and beyond to be part of something really special. It’s a real first for us both – our first Christmas show and fEast’s first one too.  We think families will relish the ride, in the company of some fabulous characters, and the children especially will love deciding the fate of the villain at the end!”

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ is suitable for children of four years old and upwards. 

It will run at Wells Maltings from the 5th to the 28th of December 2019. 

For tickets call the Wells Maltings box office on 01328 710885 or visit www.wellsmaltings.org.uk

Find out more about fEast at www.feasttheatre.com

Story by:
Simon Daykin, Director, Wells Maltings, 0787 999 8859, [email protected]
Dawn Finnerty, Director, fEAST theatre, 07713 153 124 [email protected]