christmas shows
Finally, you won’t find a more celebratory piece of theatre in the city than Anansi and the Grand Prize; a vibrant retelling of the classic African folktale about the eponymous trickster hero. “Expect reggae, soul music, colourful costumes and a shedload of dance,” they say. Oh, and they also say: “Keep an eye out for our Pyjama Nights on selected Friday evenings – come in your jammies and cosy up with a steaming hot chocolate from 1766 Bar & Kitchen before the show.” You had us at hot chocolate, BOV, baby. Dates and booking details at www.bristololdvic.org.uk
The Redgrave
The talented Bristol Old Vic Theatre School crew are bringing a thrilling adaptation of festive favourite The Snow Queen; the classic fairytale was the inspiration for Disney’s Frozen, but don’t hold that against it, because BOVTS are promising a delightful show “packed with music, dance and tobogganing”. There’s also While Shepherds Watched , the School’s annual nativity tour for primary school children, with two public performances at the theatre. Think wise (and not so wise) men, talking sheep, a horrible Herod and carols old and new in a magical retelling of the story of the first Christmas. They say: “Our Christmas shows are incredibly important to the School, and we try to offer a programme that’s as diverse and accessible as possible. Whether it’s a musical number or a traditional tale, we hope this provides an intimate alternative to the Christmas shows at larger theatres.” Dates and booking details at www.oldvic.ac.uk
Tobacco Factory Theatres top: Don’t expect Let it Go; BOVTS is taking The Snow Queen back to basics; bottom: Boing! bounces back to BOV
24 I bristol LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
Christmas is always busy at the TFT, and this year there are a total of four – count ’em! – Christmas shows to choose from. “From three-year-olds bewitched by their first theatre visit in the Spielman Theatre to older children laughing at familiar stories told