How to make Christmas Special
With social distancing measures still likely to be in place, gatherings with the wider family postponed and visits to the big man himself harder to come by, everyone is doing Christmas a little differently this year. Different doesn’t have to mean less special however and here at Families we’ve put together our suggestions for where to visit locally and other ideas to make this Christmas one to remember. All events will need prior booking. Tickets were still available at the time of going to print.
Everyone’s favourite arts venue has three shows on offer this Christmas! With three shows coming to their stage this year, Norden Farm in Maidenhead have family Christmas entertainment covered. Their first offering, Oldilocks and the 3 bears, which runs 26 -28 November, is a funny and warmhearted celebration of the classic story, starring a naughty old lady who looks very familiar… and 3 funny bears who love their breakfast. Expect to be spellbound by lovingly crafted puppets, music and some steaming bowls of porridge! On stage 10-12 December, The Magic Porridge Pot and Other Tasty Tales, boasts two stories told with puppets, pop up sets and original music that will delight and entertain even the fussiest of foodies! Or why not try Pinocchio, a one man-show which sees Pinocchio himself carved on stage. The use of clever illusion enables brushes to become a fox and the shadow of two saws to transform into a giant shark! Running from 22-24 December, an element of improvisation makes each performance unique to its audience. At Norden Farm, every care has been taken to ensure safety is paramount with government advice being continually monitored. All events will have reduced capacity and socially distanced seating, plus they are even available to stream online, so you can enjoy the magic from the comfort of your own sofa.
Fee fi fo fum... It’s time for Maidenhead panto fun! HA Events are delighted to present this year’s COVID secure pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk – a GIANT of a show suitable for the whole family! Join them at Maidenhead’s new Braywick Leisure Centre in the Baylis Theatre and get ready to roar with laughter as we cheer on our hero Jack on his climb to defeat the Giant, save the village and his best friend – Daisy the cow! Packed with all the traditions of pantomime (plus a few extra treats!) and featuring the feisty, fun loving Dame Trott., Expect charming animated scenery, sensational songs, delightful costumes, plenty of audience participation and belly laughing comedy. Producer, David Kemp, commented, “The health and safety of our patrons and staff is paramount and we have taken necessary actions to ensure your 2020 pantomime experience is a safe festive treat! We have socially distanced seating and have planned frequent cleaning in the theatre, plus sanitisation stations on arrival, a one-way traffic flow and temperature checks.” The hilarious double act, Niall Hemmingway and Chris Sheridan, will lead in the comical roles Dame and Jack Trott, plus joined by previous Maidenhead panto stars, Victoria Collins as Jill, Rachael Blaney as Green Fairy and Callum John Hill as evil Fleshcreep. Performances run twice daily between 19th-24th December. Tickets are available from www.maidenheadpanto.co.uk or by calling the booking agent on 0333 666 3366.
D COVI E R U SEC
HA Events Ltd present
The perfect alternative to the traditional pantomime, there’s something for everyone at Norden Farm. Tickets are available from www.nordenfarm.org or by calling the box office on 01628 788997
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BOOKING AGENT: 0333 666 336 www.maidenheadpanto.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
