Shakespeare’s Globe announced the casting for its climate-conscious festive production, The Fir Tree from 15 to 31 December, alongside play-related activities.
Writer Hannah Khalil and director Michelle Terry re-tell Hans Christian Anderson’s fairytale about a fir tree’s anxiety of growing up that he forgets to appreciate the importance of living in the moment.
It celebrates the wonder and abundance of the natural world and shines a light on the importance of taking care of our planet.
Paul Ready, known for his roles in the BBC sitcom Motherland and the thriller Bodyguard returns to the cast alongside Anna Crichlow.
Crichlow is known for her theatrical work, debuting as Kitty Bennet in Pride and Prejudice at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and starred in Julius Caesar with the Globe on Tour in 2022.
New cast members include Tony Jayawardena, Molly Logan and Joe Vantyler who have all previously worked with the Globe.
Designer Sam Wilde created the puppets from repurposed cardboard to bring the enchanting onstage world to life.
Families are encouraged to join in the fun by creating their own sparrow puppets in the Craft and Puppetry Workshop, suitable for ages five to eight.
Other workshops include the Family Drama Workshop, suitable for ages nine to 12, which enables families to explore the story through their own performances.
Audiences can further join in with carol-singing and tree decorating all while keeping cosy with a hot chocolate or mulled wine under the wintry star-lit sky.
They also have free to use videos on how to make puppets and decorations from recycled materials at home so everyone can bring them along to the show.
Tickets start from £5.
Featured image credit: Alice Rickett
