A Christmas show for the under 5’s in Durham City Yesterday we went to the Gala Theatre Durham to see the Once Upon a Christmas, a production aimed at the under 5’s.
NB: Alicia received tickets to see Once Upon a Christmas in order to review but all views and opinions are her own.
The show was in the Studio on the 2nd floor, easily accessible for pushchairs via a lift. There were no assigned seats and it was a mixture of seats and floor seating. It was sold out, so it was very full, but I presume there would be more space mid-week.
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There were two characters, Froggy and his mum, and wow they were engaging.
The story follows a toy shop which is struggling and thinking about closing, however some Christmas magic in the form of 2 elves, come in during the night to make toys and they save the toy shop with their Christmas kindness.
Honestly, it wouldn’t have mattered what the story was. The two characters were fabulous. All the children from babies to 4 year old’s were mesmerised. The music and lighting were spot on. There was so much interaction with the audience including questions from children, and a sing-a-long with moves. Half of the room were wrapping presents and the other half baking biscuits. Each group had 4 actions to learn which were easy and the children picked them up straight away. This was so that Froggy (and the audience) could help his mum get through her Christmas list so that they could start having fun!
Children were able to go close to the front and the atmosphere was really relaxed. I’ve not been to a production like this before, but it was great for my shy 3 year old. The characters came into the audience and were so friendly, they had huge smiles and I don’t know how any kid could not warm to them!
Outside the studio the gala decorated with an Elf village including a bridge which of course the toddlers loved going back and forth over. They also have mini chairs and tables with Christmas coloring.
I would recommend this show and a visit to the Gala to others.
Date: Thursday 29 November – Sunday 30 December
Time: Various – click ‘Book now’ to view times. Show lasts 1 hour.
Tickets: £7 – £8, family ticket £28 – £30 (£1 babes in arms tickets also available when booking in person or by calling 03000 266 600)
Suitable for children under 5’s.
Website for info and tickets: https://www.galadurham.co.uk/galapost/once-upon-a-christmas/
Alicia lives in County Durham and is Mum to two boys, one aged 2 and a newborn.