Gosforth Civic Theatre are looking forward to a brighter Christmas by announcing their Christmas programme which is packed with great Festive Films and headlined by touching and heart-warming winter production, In a Nutshell.
The North East’s usually vibrant December of shows, live productions and events has been decimated by COVID-19 but the charity-run Gosforth venue is offering families the chance to make their Christmas magical with a 12 show run of a beautiful and brilliant, winter-themed puppet show either side of the day itself, allowing households and bubbles to come and watch a show in a socially distant and safe environment.
In a Nutshell is created by PuppetShip in collaboration with visual artist Tanya Axford. Performed by Alison McGowan and Elena Miller with a specially created musical score by Ziad Jabero.
Little Acorn wakes up too early to find that it’s always winter, never spring. In a quest to find breakfast for his friend Robin, Acorn embarks on an adventure that takes him to the edge of his world and beyond. But unlocking the secret to this frozen world means that everything must change... Everyday objects transform in this heart-warming tale of growing up and letting go.
Leading up to In a Nutshell, GCT are bringing some of our favourite Christmas movies to their big screen as part of their Festive Film Season. Beginning with Die Hard on Saturday 5 December and ending with Love Actually on Monday 14 December the whole family can also take in Arthur Christmas, The Muppet Christmas Carol and, celebrating 30 years since it’s release, Home Alone. They are expecting these showings to sell out fast so get in quick!
On top of all that, GCT are delighted to welcome back Strictly Smokin’ Big Band for their annual Christmas show on Saturday 19 December. Although only one night this year, and a smaller crowd, you can expect a warm and wonderful night of swinging Jazz tunes and standards that must not be missed this Christmas.
Make a day of it by booking a table in Gosforth Civic Theatre’s café before or after your show, enjoying delicious hot food from their special Show Menu. The team behind the theatre wanted to make the experience a relaxing one as well as an enjoyable one by having audiences enjoy a show and have food in a single safe and inviting environment, making it the perfect Christmas day out for these times.
Tickets go on public sale for In a Nutshell on Friday 20 November at 12pm, though if you’re a GCT Member you can get yours earlier on Wednesday 18 November (if you’re not a member you can sign up, for free, by visiting www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk/become-a-member). The Festive Film Season goes on general sale a week later on Friday 27 November at 12pm, again, GCT Members can get theirs from Wednesday 25 November.
All tickets are sold in groups sitting up to four people and groups sitting up to six people to allow for social distancing in GCT’s intimate auditorium. Groups of two seats are available for screenings of Die Hard and Love Actually. Pricing has been purposely kept affordable while allowing to support the venue and the artists and technicians it’s working with; prices per head range from only £5 for film screenings and £11.25 for In a Nutshell.
To book tickets visit www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk/whats-on.
The Full Programme:
Sat 5 Dec:
7.30pm: Film Screening: Die Hard (18) with a dinner sitting 6.30pm. Tickets £10 & £20
Sun 6 Dec:
10am & 2.30pm: Film Screening: Arthur Christmas (U) with lunch sittings at 11.45am and 1.30pm.
Sun 13 Dec:
10am: Film Screening: The Muppet Christmas Carol (U) with lunch sitting at 11.45am.
2.30pm: Film Screening: Home Alone (PG) with lunch sitting at 1.30pm
Mon 14 Dec:
7.15pm: Film Screening: Love Actually (15) with a dinner sitting 6pm
Sat 19 Dec:
7pm: Strictly Smoking Big Band
Mon 21 - Wed 23 & Mon 28 - Wed 30 Dec:
10.45am & 2.30pm: In a Nutshell with lunch sittings at 11.45am and 1.30pm.