This Christmas, Greenwich Theatre reopens with Russ Tunney’s thrilling festive adaptation of Joan Aiken’s classic children’s novel, The Wolves of Willoughby Chase. This fun-filled socially distanced adventure is accompanied by an online and interactive experience, Sir Willoughby’s Challenge, for those unable to attend the live performance.
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase tells the story of two brave and determined girls as they encounter unforgettable characters, take on ferocious wolves and battle through snowy wastelands. Bonnie, Sylvia, and their friend Simon the Goose-boy soon realise that the wolves roaming the forests outside may not be as dangerous as the wolfish adults plotting inside.
Directed by Artistic Director, James Haddrell, with magical musical compositions by David Haller (Puss in Boots, Belgrade Theatre), the perfect way to celebrate the festive season this year is with Greenwich Theatre. Greenwich’s favourite pantomime villain Anthony Spargo (Horrible Histories – Barmy Britain Part One and Two, Garrick Theatre; co-writer of Olivier nominated Alice’s Adventures Underground for Les Enfants Terribles) will return to the theatre as Miss Slighcarp. He will appear alongside Alice De-Warrenne, Cassandra Hercules, Akshay Khanna, Serin Ibrahim and Reice Weathers (The Upstart Crow, Gielgud Theatre).
Alongside the live performance, Greenwich are also offering audience members the opportunity to join the cast in an online challenge to help Bonnie and Sylvia on an epic venture through their wintry world. Sir Willoughby’s Challenge is a brand new theatrical experience for brave and intrepid adventurers aged 6 to 12.
James Haddrell, Greenwich Theatre’s Artistic Director comments, It may not be viable to present our regular festive panto but the fun of Christmas theatre is more vital than ever this and I’m proud that at Greenwich Theatre we’ll be offering this festive show alongside an online, interactive production. The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, presented in a brand new socially distanced production, is a thrilling adventure story that’s sure to delight the whole family this Christmas and fill the gap left by so many cancelled or postponed pantomimes.
With the global pandemic closing theatres across the country, Greenwich Theatre has been overwhelmed by the support provided by its local audiences, alongside funding support from Arts Council England. Greenwich Theatre is dedicated to providing and implementing safety measures to ensure the audience, staff and performers’ safety. After mounting their ambitious six-month online programme Greenwich Connects, the team are delighted to be injecting some festive spirit into the heart of the community and welcoming audiences back to the venue.
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase is at Greenwich Theatre 18th December 2020 to 10th January 2021.
