The Lowry is inviting children virtually into its theatre this festive season, thanks to a partnership between the theatre and Tall Stories, who have their Olivier Award-nominated adaption of Julia Donaldson and Axel Sheffler’s classic picture book running from 7th December to 8th January.
A performance of the show, on Wednesday 21st December, will be streamed live from the Quays Theatre stage to children watching at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, The Christie, and Francis House Children’s Hospice.
It is estimated that up to 500 children and their families will enjoy the show remotely, alongside the live audience watching at The Lowry.
All the children watching the performance from Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, The Christie, and Francis House Children’s Hospice will also recieve specially produced theatre tickets and programmes as a memento of the performance.
David Ireland, chief executive of Francis House Children’s Hospice said: “Caring for a child with complex needs can put a huge strain on families and around Christmas time there is often a high level of stress. When life is short, we want the children and young people to have the best time possible. The staff and children are looking forward to experiencing the performance and we would like to thank everyone involved in making it happen.”
Jennifer Riding, Director of Learning & Engagement at The Lowry said: “The idea to stream this special performance of Room on The Broom to children in hospitals and hospices came directly from a member of The Lowry team who experienced first-hand what it’s like for children in hospital and their families.
“Knowing the strain on those in hospital (particularly during the festive season) and understanding how much joy and escapism theatre can bring, The Lowry and The Lowry Digital have been working together with Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, The Christie, and Francis House to make it possible to share the magic of theatre this Christmas time. Creating happy memories for those families who are going through the most difficult of times.”
Laura Woodward, Tall Stories Executive Director: “We are delighted to be live-streaming Room on the Broom to children and families in Manchester’s hospitals and hospices sharing the magic of theatre and enchanting storytelling at this special time of year.
“One of the reasons we do what we do is to bring wonderful stories to life through the immediacy of live actors on stage creating theatrical experiences for young children – the impact of which we see time and time again in their joyful faces. So, it is a privilege to be able to bring our show directly to these children, during an undoubtably challenging time of year for these families.”
With enchanting puppetry, sing-a-long songs and hilarious fun, ‘Room on the Broom’ is a magical theatre experience for young children and their families.
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