Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas comes to Waterside – with special pyjama party evening shows

The stories of acclaimed author and illustrator Raymond Briggs have been delighting children and parents alike for generations.

Some of his most beloved characters include The Snowman, Fungus the Bogeyman and, of course, Father Christmas.

Last year the Waterside presented a sensational production of The Bear, and this year the same company is returning with another Briggs favourite.

First published in 1973, Briggs’ grumpy but loveable Father Christmas follows the main man himself as he gets ready for his busiest day of the year, Christmas Eve, with plenty of mischievous entertainment provided by his cheeky pets – Cat and Dog.

It begins with Father Christmas preparing his Christmas deliveries and feeding his reindeer, before taking flight into the snowy evening.

But things don’t run smoothly – with Father Christmas encountering tight, soot-covered chimneys and braving treacherous weather conditions in his efforts to fulfil each child’s Christmas wishes.

With plenty of live music, songs and playful puppetry, this critically acclaimed adaptation of Raymond Briggs’  much loved book is a delightful festive treat for children and families to enjoy.

Families can enjoy the show with milk and cookies for just £2pp, which can be pre-booked and picked up from the theatre’s cookie collection station on arrival.

For a bit of cosy fun, you can book in for one of the evening slumber party shows. Put your jimjams on, bring your favourite bedtime bear and get stuck into some milk and cookies for a proper home-from-home experience.

The theatre is also offering preview performance tickets to families on low incomes for just £6 for the opening show on 5th December at 6 pm.

There will also be two signed performances on 8th December at 6 pm and 21st December at 11am. For more information on these special performances, call Waterside on 0161 912 5616.

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