Family entertainment at Greenwich Theatre this Easter by James Haddrell
Over the course of the pandemic, one of the things that upset me most as we closed the doors at Greenwich Theatre was the loss of our family programme.
The pantomime and the Greenwich Children’s Theatre Festival are certainly the mainstays in the programme but we offer family theatre and participatory activities all year, so seeing all of that disappear was heart-breaking.
Whenever I watch a show at Greenwich I always sit at the back, so I can watch the audience reaction as well as the performance on stage, and there’s nothing more joyful than watching an auditorium full of children loving a show.
They are our most honest critics when we get it wrong, and most vocal supporters when we get it right.
For that reason we are delighted to be able to offer a great programme of shows and workshops for families this Easter, bringing a a collection of well known and new stories to the stage, and a host of young audiences back to the theatre.
On April 7, we present a very special production for the very youngest theatregoers, an interactive opera for ages up to two called Meet Me A Tree.
This production has been a long time coming. We hosted some early development rehearsals for the show before the pandemic, and now all this time later we are finally ready to host the finished production.
Featuring music by Schumann, Delibes and Handel with words and additional music created by the company, HurlyBurly promises a multisensory journey through a year in the life of a tree – singing with blackbirds, marching through fallen leaves, smelling new blossom and feeling the wind on your cheeks.
Look out too for news about an outdoor experience – HurlyBurly’s The Bug Hotel – heading for the borough at the same time.
Then, on April 13 and 14, one of the most iconic figures in modern children’s storytelling is set to emerge from the wings when Tall Stories present their stage version of The Gruffalo.
Then on April 15 and 16, we welcome a new company to Greenwich when PaddleBoat Theatre present Margo & Mr Whatsit, a show about Sophia and her imaginary friend.
No matter where Sophia finds herself living, Mr Whatsit is always there.
But when Sophia moves into her new foster home she is set to meet a new imaginary friend – and the childish Mr Whatsit will have to fight to stick around.
PaddleBoat Theatre will also be offering workshops to accompany the show, with an acting workshop for all ages based on the show, and a second workshop looking at bringing all your senses to storytelling.
The family programme doesn’t end when the children go back to school.
In May, Travelling Light come to the theatre with Vixen, a new play for those aged seven and above about Saffi, an 11 year old who lives on an estate with her dad.
After being scratched by a vixen in the raincoat man’s garden she begins to transform and dreams of running away to live with her fox family.
Then in June, we’re back to familiar territory when The Tiger Who Came To Tea returns to the Greenwich stage.
With all of this, alongside exciting announcements about our summer season due very soon, families have a lot to look forward to at Greenwich Theatre this season.
Main Picture: Greewich Theatre – Children’s Easter Theatre