TIDINGS of great joy… Worcestershire’s two leading arts organisations are all set for some Christmas action at last.

The Government’s announcement that the county is now placed in tier two of the Covid regulations means that some socially-distanced shows can now go ahead.

And that’s fantastic news for theatre-goers hungry for some light relief after months of lockdowns and other restrictions brought about by the pandemic.

So this December, Worcester Swan Theatre will be welcoming Santa’s Christmas Party, a fun-packed festive show for all the family to enjoy. Featuring a full West End cast of performers from Kinky Boots, Buddy and Footloose, Santa’s Christmas Party will take place to a reduced audience size and follow social distancing guidelines at The Swan.

The show will feature festive musical favourites such as Jingle Bells, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus is Coming to Town among many others.

Santa’s Christmas Cracker will take place at the theatre on Saturday and Sunday, December 12 and 13. There are two available performances on both days with a strictly limited number of seats at 2pm and 5pm.

Tickets are now on sale and available via the Worcester Live website worcesterlive.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01905 611427.

Meanwhile, the hills are also alive to the sound of drama as Malvern Theatres Young Company presents a new production of The Snow Goose by Paul Gallico live on stage in the Festival Theatre from Tuesday to Saturday, December 15-19.

Gallico’s moving classic, set against the backdrop of war, is a heartfelt exploration of friendship, sacrifice and love.
Essex Marshes, 1940. Philip has retreated alone to an abandoned lighthouse, where he spends his time painting the stark and beautiful surrounding landscape.

Then one day, Philip is unexpectedly joined by Frith, who brings with her a wounded snow goose. Initially shy of each other, Philip and Frith’s relationship develops as together they nurse the injured bird back to health.

Written in 1941, The Snow Goose is considered Gallico’s most critically successful work.

Rhys Harris-Clarke returns to the Festival Theatre stage following his performance in Alan Bennett’s A Chip in the Sugar in October. He is joined by Daniel Davis and Jennifer Thompson-Chatburn, who also began their acting careers with Malvern Theatres Young Company. The production is directed by Nic Lloyd.
Tickets are limited due to social distancing. Book online at malvern-theatres.co.uk

John Phillpott