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Miki Chill Out Space
Artist Amelia Pimlott is back at Norden Farm this Christmas working with local schools and community groups on our Miki themed art installation.
This SEND friendly space will be a wash of gentle light and colour, a calm space where children can relax on a bean bag and soak up the atmosphere.
Featuring work created by:
The Autism Group
Thames Valley Adventure Playground
Cookham Rise
Boyne Hill School
Alwyn Infant School
With music from Miki by Slot Machine Theatre.
The exhibition will also feature entries from our art competition for local children, inspired by our Christmas show Miki. Come on down to catch the winning entries and to see if you can spot your masterpiece!
Saturday 2 December – Saturday 30 December
The Gallery at Norden Farm
Entry is Free
- 5 Dec FREE
- 6 Dec FREE
- 18 more dates...
Miki
Miki, Polar Bear and Penguin live in a very far away place. It’s an icy world where nothing ever grows. One midwinter eve, they make a wish and Miki embarks on a magical adventure in search of a star...
Based on the book by Stephen Mackey, Miki is an inspiring story about friendship, courage and adventure. It features amazing underwater creatures, enchanting music and extraordinary puppetry.
'Young audiences alternate between giggling with delight and total transfixion' ★★★★ The Stage
Suitable for ages 3+ years.
Created by Slot Machine, the company that have previously brought hit shows One Snowy Night and Kipper's Snowy Day to our stage.
Relaxed Performances
The performances on Saturday 2 December at 11am and Wednesday 27 December at 11am are Relaxed. Ideal for families with babies or toddlers and children with SEND. Everyone is welcome to join us for this friendly format.
Signed Performance
The performance on Wednesday 20 December at 2pm will be signed.
Run Time
Miki is 50 minutes long.
Tickets
Courtyard Theatre
£15.50 | £13.50 under 16s
Family & Friends (4 people) £54
Earlybird offer Family & Friends £50 (if booked before Thursday 31 August)
Tickets for children under 18 months
For this show, tickets/seats are not required for children under 18 months who are happy to sit on laps
Bring Baby Choir
Singing is a great way to relieve stress and promote well-being.
Meet new people and take some time for you in this new acappella choir for mums, dads, grandparents, carers and their babies!
It is a baby friendly class, created especially so you can bring the baby you care for. Grown ups are in a semi circle (with room for your buggy next to you) and babies can sit, crawl or play on the blanket in front of you.
These uplifting classes are led by conductor/composer (and mum) Marta Radwan. There's no auditions, no singing experience is needed and you don't need to have a 'good voice' - just an openness to have a go! You'll be sure to know the songs and there will even be some which include your little one.
There's also:
* Free on-site parking
* Café (open all day)
* Baby changing facilities
Mums, Dads, Grandparents, Carers all welcome with their babies under 18 months
Fri 13 Oct - 17 Nov, exc 27 Oct (5 weeks)
24 Nov - 15 Dec (4 weeks)
12.30pm - 1.30pm
£10 per session | £36 for 4 week course | £40 for 5 week course
The Circus Christmas Cabaret
Step right into the heart of a Victorian holiday tale with The Circus Christmas Cabaret!
This is no ordinary circus - it's a fantastic journey guided by the one and only Scrooge, who serves as our host and introduces all the incredible circus acts.
Imagine a chilly evening in Victorian London, where the holiday spirit is about to transform a once-grumpy old man into a symbol of festive cheer. As the curtains open, you'll be transported to a time of cobblestone streets and gaslit charm, with Scrooge himself taking centre stage.
Our extraordinary cast, brimming with talent and charisma, performs breathtaking circus acts that will leave you spellbound. With Scrooge as your guide, you'll witness a perfect blend of mesmerizing acrobatics and heartwarming moments, all in the spirit of the season.
Join us on this enchanting journey where the transformation of Scrooge mirrors the magic of the holidays. Bring your loved ones and your holiday spirit, and let us transport you to a place where redemption, joy, and extraordinary performances come together.
Don't miss this unique Victorian circus cabaret experience that promises to create cherished memories.
Secure your ticket and be a part of 'Scrooge's Spectacular Circus Cabaret,' where the magic of Dickens meets the wonder of the circus in a celebration like no other.
See you under the twinkling lights of our big top.
Courtyard Theatre
Standard (ages 15+ years) £18
Children ages 3 - 14 years £8
Family Ticket (2 adults and 2 Children) £40
Children ages 3 years and under Free
Lantern Making Workshop – Maidenhead Library
A Drop In workshop on Parade day.
Get parade ready in 20 mins!
Drop in to Maidenhead Library to make and decorate a simple willow and tissue lantern ready to illuminate on parade night. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Sat 9 Dec | 10.30am - 2pm | Suitable for 6+ years | £5 per person
Other Drop In Lantern Making Workshops:
There are also Drop In Lantern Making Workshops in the Nicholsons Centre:
Sun 26 Nov | 10.30am - 4pm | Suitable for 6+ years | £5 per person
Sun 3 Dec | 10.30am - 4pm | Suitable for 6+ years | £5 per person
Find out more about this year's Lantern Parade here.
Storytelling
Join Norden Farm’s Storyteller in the Story Den for a magical story session based around our Christmas show, Miki!
Each session lasts 30 minutes.
Saturday 2 December
Saturday 9 December
Saturday 16 December
Saturday 23 December
Saturday 30 December
£4 per adult and child
Suitable for ages 4 - 8 years
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
The Carnival of the Animals - Lantern Parade
Saturday 9 December 2023
• 4.30pm Live Music from Dhol Collective and Babel Brass Band - plus performances from Leo's Circus
• 5pm Parade departs from Maidenhead Town Hall with live music from Dhol Collective
• 5.45pm - 6.15pm Live music and entertainment continues including performances by Leo's Circus
The Carnival of the Animals Lantern Parade, Take Flight! will be held on Saturday 9 December. Featuring live music and entertainment, we will light up the night in Maidenhead.
This year’s theme of all things feathered will bring a joyful parade of weird and wonderful creatures to Maidenhead’s streets with stilt walking performances and hula hoop artists from Leo’s Circus joining the fun.
We will have live music from Dhol Collective and Babel Brass Band, as well as a host of beautiful handmade lanterns from local schools and community groups.
Norden Farm will once again team up with SameSky, an award-winning community arts charity who have been creating fantastic lanterns, costumes and community events since 1987.
Get involved at one of our Lantern Making workshops, running throughout November and December. Our expert lantern makers will guide you through the process to create your own lantern to illuminate at the parade.
Relaxed area We've teamed up with The Autism Group and Maidenhead Library to offer a quiet area for viewing the Lantern Parade. It's a space where children who will benefit from it can enjoy the Parade in a relaxed setting. To book a space in the quiet area, please email: jessica.thompson@nordenfarm.org in advance.
Rio Deli at Maidenhead library will be staying open late on the evening of the parade to supply warm drinks and snacks to parade goers.
Get involved at one of our Lantern Making Workshops, running throughout November and December. Our expert lantern makers will guide you through the process to create your own lantern to illuminate at the parade.
Lantern Making Workshops at Norden Farm
Across 2 hours weave an intricate animal-inspired willow frame before covering and decorating your creation. covering and decorating. Suitable for 6+ years, pre-booking essential.
Sat 18 Nov | 10.30am – 12.30pm and 2pm – 4pm | Suitable for 6+ years | £7 per person | Book here.
Sat 25 Nov | 10.30am – 12.30pm and 2pm – 4pm | Suitable for 6+ years | £7 per person | Book here.
Drop In Lantern Making Workshops in the town centre
There are also Drop In Lantern Making Workshops in the town centre. Get parade ready in 20 mins! Drop in to make and decorate a simple willow and tissue lantern ready to illuminate on parade night.
Workshops in the Nicholson Centre
Sun 26 Nov | 10.30am - 4pm | Suitable for 6+ years | £5 per person | More information
Sat 2 Dec | 10.30am - 4pm | Suitable for 6+ years | £5 per person | More Information
Workshops at Maidenhead Library on Parade Day
Sat 9 Dec | 10.30am - 2pm | Suitable for 6+ years | £5 per person | More information
Norden Farm are also working with local schools and community groups to ensure that the community as a whole is represented and involved in this fantastic event.
With thanks to our supporters:
Spoore Merry Rixman • The Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation • Braxtons • The Louis Baylis Charitable Trust
- 9 Dec FREE
Funky Monkeys
An energetic and creative music and movement class for babies and children under 5.
This fun and funky session uses lights, puppets, parachute, instruments and music to get your little ones moving!
Suitable for ages 9 months - 5 years.
Autumn
6 Oct - 3 Nov, exc 13 Oct (4 weeks)
10 Nov - 1 Dec (4 weeks)
15 Dec and 22 Dec
11am - 11.45am
£7.50 | Siblings (18 months +) £4.50 | £26 for 4 sessions a term
If you would like to book the offer price for 4 sessions, please enter a ticket for each date you would like to attend into your basket and the offer will apply automatically.
Arts and Crafts Session
Come along to Norden Farm for 45 minutes of wintery Arts and Crafts in our Miki themed Gallery
Tuesday 19 December 1pm - 1.45pm
Wednesday 20 December 1pm - 1.45pm
Thursday 21 December 1pm - 1.45pm
Friday 22 December 1pm - 1.45pm
Sessions are 45 minutes.
Suitable for ages 4 - 11 years
All materials provided.
Please note that children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
The Great Big Dinosaur Show
Which dinosaur had teeth as big as a banana? Which dinosaur weighed the same as 10,000 cats? And what could a chicken possibly be doing in The Great Big Dinosaur Show?!
Join poet Simon Mole and musician Gecko for a family show full of poems, raps and songs about all your favourite prehistoric protagonists (and some you haven’t heard of yet!). Expect some spine-tinglingly funny scares and get your groove on to some Jurassic Classics!
The show is inspired by Simon Mole’s 4th book; A First Book of Dinosaurs, illustrated by Matt Hunt, published by Walker Books in September 2023.
Simon Mole is an acclaimed children’s poet (and sleep deprived dad) who has shared stages with Michael Rosen, Kae Tempest and John Hegley. He is a National Poetry Day ambassador, with over ten years of experience using poetry with children and families. Former poet in residence for the National Literacy Trust, Simon works in schools and libraries across the country and overseas. The videos on his YouTube channel are used by hundreds of thousands of children and teachers across the world each year and have been featured on the BBC. A First Book of Dinosaurs will be followed by A First Book of Bugs in 2025. His other books are picture books Kites, I Love My Bike (shortlisted for The Sunday Times Children’s Sports Book of the Year) and I Love My Cat, illustrated by Sam Usher. Simon lives in Berkshire. Simon’s favourite dinosaur is Coelophysis.
Gecko is a Singer, Storyteller and Musician. His playful lyrics cover the big things in life; think iPhones, libraries and Guanabana fruit juice to name but a few. With more than 4 million views and 1 million likes on TikTok in the past year, Gecko’s previous appearances include Glastonbury, Latitude, Bestival, BBC Scotland, BBC London and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He has toured the UK, Europe & New Zealand. Gecko’s music has also been featured on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 6 Music, Radio X and BBC Introducing. He has twice been awarded Album of the Year by The Morning Star newspaper. In 2020, Gecko released his second album, Climbing Frame, crowd funded by his audience in just 48 hours. He appeared on BAFTA winning TV show Life & Rhymes hosted by Benjamin Zephaniah and has shared bills with the likes of Tim Minchin, Eddie Izzard, Ed Sheeran and Billy Bragg. Gecko’s favourite dinosaur is Deinonychus.
Suitable for ages 4 - 11 years.
Running Time: 50 mins approx, no interval.
Studio
£12 I £10 under 16s
Family and Friends (4 people) £40
Simon Mole's website
@simonmole
Gecko's website
@gecko
@nordenfarm
Choogh Choogh
All aboard for a delightful train journey through India.
Experience the sights, sounds and smells evoked through South Asian dance, music and theatre; and meet some amazing characters along the way.
choogh choogh is a family-friendly show inspired by the joy for travelling through India on a train. It combines classical Indian dance with contemporary movement, theatre and play, sharing with audiences a world full of colour, invention and flow. The journey starts with the audience getting a special choogh choogh ticket.
Suitable for ages 2 - 5 years.
Studio
£12 | £10 under 16s
Family and Friends (4 people) £40
Rubbish Shakespeare Company: Romeo and Juliet
Enemies. Balconies. Kissing... sausage rolls!?
Three idiots perform Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, using only a box of tatty wigs, a worn floral dress, and a burst airbed they found by the bins.
Described as ‘like Horrible Histories but funnier’ Primary Times, the beloved Rubbish Shakespeare Company returns with an anarchic and joyous family friendly treat.
Featuring clowning, slapstick and knowingly mischievous storytelling, this ‘side-splittingly funny’ The List production is the perfect introduction to Shakespeare - or even theatre itself!
Suitable for all ages.
‘A genius way to bring the Bard to fresh audiences’ ★★★★★ West End Best Friend
‘Anything but rubbish! This is stripped back theatre at its very finest' ★★★★★ At The Theatre
‘It’s pure rubbish… and you’ll love every minute’ ★★★★★ Wee Review
‘A high class piece of entertainment, whatever your age’ Fringe Review
Studio
£12 I £10 under 16s
Family and Friends (4 people) £40
The Rubbish Shakespeare Company website
@RubbishShakes
@nordenfarm
Hermit
I can see a box, no wait, Is it a house?
There’s a noise coming from inside. Could there be something inside?
Suddenly a flap opens. Is that a man living in a box?
Hermit is a silly, funny and intriguing show about a quiet, tall man living in a teeny tiny house.
The owner feels happy and proud of his little home and loves to hide away from the world there but can we win his trust so he will invite us inside?
Suitable for ages 2 - 6 years.
Studio
£12 | £10 under 16s
Family and Friends (4 people) £40
In the Dead of the Night
Presented by Faceplant Theatre.
Will Lily conquer her fears? Will she conquer her fright? Will she conquer the ghouls in the dead of the night?
In the Dead of the Night brings to life a little girl's imagination as she conjures fantastical monsters whilst hearing strange sounds in the middle of the night. Once she decides that she must overcome her fears, she sets out to tackle this mysterious noisy creature head on. She discovers it has been her scared young brother making the noises, whom she comforts as they fall asleep together. It's a tale about being brave and choosing to face your fears, and eventually about being a loving sibling, two messages that audiences can relate to.
Arthur McBain's witty, spooky, and heartfelt debut children's book has sold both internationally in Australia, Korea and Turkey, and in the UK as one of Waterstones core children's book range. Faceplant Theatre are incredibly excited to be adapting McBain's story for its first ever outing as a theatrical production.
Studio
£12 I £10 under 16s
Family and Friends (4 people) £40
Spiers & Boden
They take to the road again in 2024 for select dates making up their only tour this year.
Spiers & Boden first rocketed onto the music scene in 2001 quickly winning a clutch of BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. They went on to form and front the extraordinarily successful folk big band Bellowhead, which sold out The Royal Albert Hall several times.
They provides the theme tune for Radio 4’s The Archers and were recently heard on the soundtrack of BBC 1’s ‘Beyond Paradise’.
Described by The Guardian as ‘the finest instrumental duo on the traditional scene’.
The much-loved duo reformed in 2021 after a seven-year hiatus, arriving with a brand new album ‘Fallow Ground’ which went on to reach number 3 in September ‘21’s Official Folk Albums Chart and was a Mojo magazine top 10 folk album of 2021.
‘It’s all exquisitely played – the pair are still the dons.’ The Observer
Courtyard Theatre
£21
Out of the Hat
Presented by Long Nose Puppets.
When Doris and Delilah wake up to find something strange and sparkly has fallen from the sky, they are inspired to put on the world’s greatest magic show! But how do you make real magic happen? What ingredients do you need and who can help them?
Along the way they encounter some fabulous characters; a transformative moth, a band of musical frogs, an artistic spider and a sassy glow-worm who all help to create their dream.
Will the conjuring trick work and will anything ever come out of the hat?
A story about friendship and the true magic of nature. Full to the brim with lively songs by the talented Tom Gray of Gomez. A feast for the senses and a spectacular theatre experience for everyone!
'It’s a visually exciting delight for young children and contains enough gentle humour to keep adults entertained for an hour too. The Long Nose Puppet team are relentlessly talented, bringing stories to life with their unique and charming puppets and their delightful songs with life affirming lyrics' Katy B, Broadway Baby
'For most of our children, the show would have been their first experience of live performance and we couldn’t have asked for a better first step into that world' Jim Brannan, Head teacher of Boundstone School
Studio
£12 I £10 under 16s
Family and Friends (4 people) £40
Long Nose Puppets website
@nordenfarm