THE SNOW QUEEN
Are you dreaming of a White Christmas? Just like the ones you used to know? Personally I can’t remember the last snowy Yuletide but then Irving Berlin’s lyrics refer to a childhood in New York not Newnham. Whatever the weather, Christmas has become synonymous with the white stuff which is why the Cambridge Junction’s festive show is so excitingly named. ‘The Snow Queen’ conjures up so many magical mind pictures – is she an ice maiden with a frosty heart or a bejewelled princess covered in gleaming crystals? Whatever the answer, we can all enjoy the fun-packed tale from the cosy corner of our living rooms – the play will be live streamed.
So what can we expect? Audiences are invited to join Gerda on her quest to save her best friend Kaj from the Snow Queen in the frozen north (spoiler alert; this icy monarch ain’t a (n)ice person). This tale of enduring friendship will feature a broken mirror, wild woods, a Mongolian yurt, helpful crows and a reindeer or two!
And there’s more. The theatre company has found a way to bring a bit of theatrical magic to the sofa that doesn’t just involve staring at a screen. Early bookers will be able to play along with the show using an accompanying activity parcel available to order on the Cambridge Junction website. This limited-edition pack will include a map of the Snow Queen’s world, a piece of the ogre’s mirror and lots of fun activities to play at home. Downloadable activities will also be available on the website.
‘The Snow Queen’ is defrosted by Tobacco Factory Theatre and New International Encounter (NIE, the team behind Snow White (2018) and Beauty & the Beast (2016). The chilly tale is likely to bring a welcome dose of warm good humour to the Christmas run up – a show that everyone can enjoy. The theatre also confirms that BSL (British Sign Language) interpreted and subtitled versions of the show will be available. When it comes to Christmas fun, we don’t have to dream.
Streaming online from Sunday 20 December 2020 – Sunday 03 January 2021
