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The Fir Tree
by Tove Jansson
From Tales in Moominvalley
The Moomin family was hibernating in the drawing room as they were wont to do. They had been sleeping for a few months already and were going to keep it up until spring… Now all at once a cold draught disturbed Moomintroll’s dreams. And someone was pulling at his quilt and shouting that he was tired and Christmas was coming.
'Fall under its spell' Maidenhead Advertiser
Featuring live puppetry and music, The Fir Tree is an adventure set in the idyllic and peaceful Moominvalley. It is a gloriously unselfish take on Christmas.
'A treat for the whole family that offers an ideal festive alternative to the pantomime' Families Magazine
Suitable for all audiences from 3 years and upwards.
Presented by Norden Farm, The Ding Foundation, Bernadette Russell and Steve Tiplady.
Click here to find out more about the cast and creative team behind The Fir Tree.
Tuesday 20 November – Sunday 30 December Performances twice daily (run time approx 55 mins)
£13.50 (£11.50 under 16s) £46 Family and Friends (4 people). Offer applied in basket.
Relaxed Performances
Performances on Sat 1 Dec at 11am and Sat 29 Dec at 11am are Relaxed - ideal for children with SEND. Everyone is welcome to join us for this friendly format. The house lights are kept on and audience members can come and go as they please.
Click here to download a Visual Story of your trip to The Fir Tree at Norden Farm.
Pre-show Touch Tours
For children with SEND and sensory impairments. Contact the Box Office on 01628 788997 for more details.
Reviews
'Fall under its spell’ Maidenhead Advertiser
‘A treat for the whole family that offers an ideal festive alternative to the pantomime’Families Magazine
'The young and the not so young alike will be enchanted by this magical and funny tale’The Wokingham Paper
'Working together in order to create an enjoyable Christmas for everyone is a key message the show impressively delivers' The Henley Standard
'It’s perfect for younger children, first time theatregoers or anyone who prefers the a more laidback experience’Muddy Stilettos
'The characters are loveable and very funny. I was surrounded by children belly-laughing at the slapstick comedy' Little Ankle Biters
'Humour, suspense and gorgeous puppets that all the children adored’ WycMum
'The set was very clever with a great use of props and a large interactive screen in the center of the set, which really helped add to the storytelling and bought another dimension' Berkshire Mummies
'The whole atmosphere was very relaxed and welcoming' Laura’s Lovely Blog
Click here to download a copy of The Fir Tree flyer.
other events you may be interested in
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Adapted by Pins and Needles
Ever wondered what it would be like to sit on a polar bear's lap? Or ride on its back? Have you ever tried to give a polar bear a bath, or clear up its poo?
One night when she's fast asleep, Tilly is visited by an enormous bear. It has a big black tongue and a yawn as big as your head. But Tilly's not scared.
The story of a little girl who befriends a mischievous polar bear, this playful, funny and heart-warming tale is one of imagination and growing up.
Featuring inventive design, original music, and magical puppetry.
'Move over War Horse, this polar puppet is magic' The Guardian
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Storytelling
11am and 1.30pm.
Join our storytellers in the magical story den for interactive tales!
This Half Term the stories will be:
Mon 8 Apr - Messy Pig and Tidy Fairy
Tues 9 Apr - The Witch, the Rabbit and the Enchanted Carrots
Wed 10 Apr- A Squash and a Squeeze by Julia Donaldson
Thur 11 Apr - The Magic Paintbrush
Fri 12 Apr- The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Sat 13 Apr - The Apple Dumplings
Mon 15 Apr - The High Street
Tues 16 Apr - Horrid Henry Gets Rich Quick!
Wed 17 Apr - The Fairy Baker
Thurs 18 Apr - The Cat In The Hat by Dr. Seuss
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Age guidance: 3-7 years.
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Visual artists Raphaella Sapir and Amelia Pimlott have worked with students and the local community to create an environment inspired by The Enormous Turnip a re-potted version of this world-famous and much loved children’s story!
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Arts and Crafts Session
Craft activities to keep the little ones entertained.
The crafts vary so you can create something new every day!
Mon 8 April: Design and make a Superhero puppet.
Dress your own superhero puppet with a cape and mask then set off on your own superhero adventures.
Tues 9 April: Train your Dragon.
Create a fierce, fire breathing dragon’s head or puppet and watch your dragon come to life.
Sat 13 April: Become a Superhero!
Design and make your own superhero cuffs and belt.
Sessions are 45 minutes.
Age guidance: 5-8 years.
£5 per child
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Before they retire, they can’t resist planting one last seed.
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Unswerving energy, eccentric puppetry and live music in a re-potted version of this world-famous and much loved children’s story!
WHY? ‘Puppetry, live music and good old-fashioned charm sprout up left, right and centre’ The Stage
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Performances on Wed 10 Apr at 2pm and Thur 11 Apr at 2pm are Relaxed - ideal for families with babies or toddlers and children with SEND. Everyone is welcome to join us for this friendly format. The house lights are kept on and audience members can come and go as they please.
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Youth Theatre (B)
Led by Troublemaker Theatre Company.
Your chance to be on stage and in the spotlight!
Join the only youth drama group in Maidenhead which rehearses in a professional theatre!
'Gave me the skills and confidence to get into drama school and pursue a career in acting' Lizzy Maillard
Our friendly theatre company lead the sessions, where you’ll have fun and meet new friends.
Plus receive discounted tickets to shows and gain opportunities to work alongside Troublemaker Theatre Company at our Summer Theatre Week.
‘I went on to get a degree in film and theatre, and now teach drama to children myself’ Ryan Tomlinson
Pick up performance skills from stage combat to acting for camera and physical theatre to accents, while working with scripts from famous playwrights or made up by you.
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'Film-making at 15, scripting at 16, and crying that it had to end at 18. 5yrs later, I'm working full-time in television' Kat Mace
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£67 per term
School Year 4, 5 & 6
Photography credit Luminous Photography.
Click here to visit the Troublemaker Theatre Company website
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