Christmas shows, stories and screenings
In many households, the most wonderful time of the year often doubles as the most expensive time of the year.
Gosforth Civic Theatre is doing its best to address the issue of affordability with its festive family programme, which offers a family of four the chance to see balletLORENT’s The Velveteen Rabbit, check in with Santa and enjoy a Christmas movie favourite on the big screen for the all-in price of £96 (£29 per child and £19 per adult).
The Velveteen Rabbit (December 20-23) - an adaptation of Margery Williams’ classic tale sees six dancers perform to an original score and narration by actor and comedian, Ben Compton (Game of Thrones).
Audiences will see the combination of music, dance and storytelling bring the toys to life and explore the ‘essence of growing up and the meaning of love’.
Meanwhile the venue’s inaugural Father Christmas experience, Storytime with Santa (December 6-23) will see 20 children at a time enjoy hearing a tale in his North Pole workshop (aka the recently renovated Studio Theatre) before taking a gift home.
Festive film-wise there will be a series of screenings on the eve of Christmas Eve (December 23) including Arthur Christmas, Elf and Home Alone.
As well as its family programme, there is also a series of Christmas events for the grown ups, including a festive party with the Voices of Virtue Gospel Choir; the annual celebration with the Strictly Smokin’ Band; and a collaboration between five folk artists including award-winning trio Lady Maisery, Jimmy Alridge and Sid Goldsmith (December 12).
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GCT’s community engagement manager, Helen Kumar, said: “We’re really excited about our 2024 Christmas programme, which features favourite festive fixtures for folk of all ages alongside original work for kids and grown-ups alike.
“We wanted to provide a richness and a variety of memorable experiences for people to choose from, so they look back on Christmas 2024 at GCT as one of their best ever!”
For more information and bookings, visit the Gosforth Civic Theatre website.