Christmas shows at The Courtyard!

Put the magic into this festive season with our Christmas shows at The Courtyard! Whether you fancy joining Jack and Blossom on a magical adventure in Jack and the Beanstalk, or Gerda and Kay for an enchanting adaptation of The Snow Queen, there is something for everyone!

Jack and The Beanstalk

Friday 26 November 2021-Saturday 8 January 2022

This Christmas, audiences will have the climb of their life at The Courtyard’s giant pantomime performance of Jack and the Beanstalk.

Jack and his mum are down on their luck. As a result, Jack reluctantly sells his beloved cow. All he gets in return, however, is a measly bag of beans. When a huge beanstalk appears in the garden, Jack realises that they were no ordinary beans and an extraordinary adventure is about to begin.

Join The Courtyard on this magical journey filled with adventure, magic beans and catchy musical numbers. Featuring several Courtyard favourites, including Emily Connor (Jill), Madeline McMahon (Detective Constable Fairy), and Ellis Kerkhoven (this year’s villain). Plus, welcoming back Estelle van Warmelo and Lyndsay Maples as director and writer.

Selection of pantomime characters
Madeline McMahon as Tinkerbell (Peter Pan, 2018), Emily Connor as the Fairy Godmother (Cinderella, 2019) and Ellis Kerkhoven as an Ugly Sister (Cinderella, 2019)

Relaxed and Dementia Friendly Performances for our Christmas shows

As part of The Courtyard’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity there will be a Relaxed Performance on Monday 3 January at 10.30am. This is suitable for individuals with autism spectrum conditions, learning difficulties or sensory and communication difficulties. There will also be a Dementia Friendly performance on Tuesday 4 January at 2pm (doors will open from 1pm).

Audio Described and British Sign Language Performances for our Christmas shows

The Courtyard Audio Description Association (CADA) will be audio describing a performance on Saturday 11 December at 2pm. Audio Description consists of a narrator talking through the performance or film, describing what is happening on the stage or screen during the natural pauses in the dialogue through a discreet headset. Audio description for stage performances is fed live to your headset. If you require Audio Description, please inform our Box Office when booking. There will also be a British Sign Language signed performance taking place on Sunday 12 December at 6.30pm.

Socially Distanced Performances for our Christmas shows

A selection of shows will be sold socially distanced for those would feel more comfortable. For more information about The Courtyard’s socially distanced performances, contact Box Office on 01432 340555.

Book now for Jack and the Beanstalk

The Snow Queen

Saturday 4 – 31 December 

This Christmas, children and their grown-ups can go on a magical adventure with this adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Snow Queen.

Best friends Gerda and Kay are inseparable, but when the Snow Queen steals Kay away and threatens to turn his heart into a lump of ice, Gerda sets off on an extraordinary adventure to save her best friend. On her way, she meets lots of magical and mysterious characters who help her discover her true strength.

Featuring original songs and interactive elements, this Christmas show celebrates the things that make us different and the value of true friendship. The Snow Queen is the perfect family show for children who are too little for panto.

Images from The Snow Queen 2016
Images from The Snow Queen, 2016

Family Saturdays

Performances at 11am on Saturdays will be preceded by a free activity for children to get involved with in the foyer from 10.30am.

Relaxed Performance

As part of The Courtyard’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity there will be a Relaxed Performance, suitable for individuals with autism spectrum conditions, learning difficulties or sensory and communication difficulties, on Saturday 11 December at 2.30pm.

Socially Distanced Performance

A selection of performances will be socially distanced for those who would feel more comfortable. For more information on the socially distanced performances, contact Box Office on 01432 340555.

Book now for The Snow Queen!

Come along this Christmas and enjoy two magical, festive performances!