Northumberland theatres team up to deliver a digital Christmas show

Three Northumberland venues have teamed up to bring a new animation to online audiences this Christmas.
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Christmas with the Hobs has been created by Alnwick Playhouse, Maltings Berwick and Hexham’s Queen’s Hall Arts alongside CaroleW Productions.

The festive animation, made in Northumberland, will be streaming online from December 12-31 for audiences at home and in schools, hospitals and care homes.

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It is set on Christmas Eve at Nana’s house where Tyler and Eliza are waiting for Dad to pick them up to start the celebrations. But when plans change, they must work together to create a Christmas to remember, with the help of their newfound friends, the Hobs!

Christmas with the Hobs has been created with support from Alnwick Playhouse, Queen's Hall Arts in Hexham and The Maltings in Berwick.Christmas with the Hobs has been created with support from Alnwick Playhouse, Queen's Hall Arts in Hexham and The Maltings in Berwick.
Christmas with the Hobs has been created with support from Alnwick Playhouse, Queen's Hall Arts in Hexham and The Maltings in Berwick.

Written by Becci Sharrock, Christmas with the Hobs is illustrated by Sheila Graber who animated the children’s TV series Paddington in the 1980s, with original music by North East singer songwriter Bridie Jackson.

The cast are Joseph Casling, Jude Nelson, Lewis Jobson, Viktoria Kay and Jacqueline Phillips, who will also direct.

Katy Taylor, Queen’s Hall Arts artistic director said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Alnwick Playhouse and Berwick Maltings to create a wonderful new animation for Christmas.

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“This is the first time we’ve commissioned an animation and we are so lucky to be working with a fantastically talented team of artists and performers.”

Alnwick Playhouse. Picture: Jane ColtmanAlnwick Playhouse. Picture: Jane Coltman
Alnwick Playhouse. Picture: Jane Coltman

Northumberland’s theatres have been closed since March due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Katy said: "All three venues in Northumberland were successful in our applications for emergency funding from Arts Council England last month and this has enabled us to try something new and make something truly magical for our audiences this Christmas.

“We know that freelance performers, technicians and artists have really struggled while venues have been closed, and many people have been unable to access government financial support so it’s vital that we do our bit to help.

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"Christmas with the Hobs gave us an opportunity to bring together North East arts professionals to create a magical Christmas gift from Northumberland. We hope you enjoy it!”

The Maltings in BerwickThe Maltings in Berwick
The Maltings in Berwick

Tickets are free but must be booked via the three Northumberland venues’ websites. Visit https://www.alnwickplayhouse.co.uk/ https://www.maltingsberwick.co.uk/ or https://www.queenshall.co.uk/content/queens-hall-arts-centre

Donations to support future commissions and creative projects in Northumberland are welcome.

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