The Owl Who Came For Christmas stage adaptation to premiere at Leicester Curve

A stage adaptation of The Owl Who Came For Christmas will make its world premiere at Leicester’s Curve theatre this festive period.

The new Made at Curve production will run at the venue’s Studio Theatre from 2 – 31 December 2023 .

Based on the picture book by John Hay with illustrations by Garry Parsons, and published by Macmillan Children’s Books, The Owl Who Came For Christmas will be co-produced with Norwell Lapley Productions (NLP) and will be adapted for the stage by writer, performer and Curve Creative Programmes Practitioner Chandni Mistry.

Curve’s Artist Development and New Work Producer, Cara Nolan will direct a cast of actor-musicians.

Selected following open auditions and all hailing from the East Midlands, cast members Mary Bonam, Camille Burnett, Oliver Stanley and Annabelle Terry will bring this festive tale to life with music and puppetry.

Inspired by a true story of the real Rosie the Owl who lost her way, see how a loving family help save Rosie, the tiny owl who really did come for Christmas, and return her to her forest home.

The production features new music composed by Curve Resident Creative Jude Taylor and set, costume and puppetry designed by Abby Clarke. Curve Resident Creative Stacey McCarthy will choreograph
the show, with lighting and sound design by respective Curve technical team members Jonathan Payne and Angel Rossell de Pablos. Casting is by Curve Associate Kay Magson CDG.

Speaking about the production, Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said: “We always look forward to our Made at Curve family Christmas productions and we’re thrilled to be creating the first stage version of John Hay and Garry Parsons’ The Owl Who Came For Christmas.

“Hay and Parsons’ story highlights themes of caring for others in need, the power of the natural world and protecting the environment around us. It’s a truly magical treat for the festive time and a great way to introduce young imaginations to the power of theatre. Like many of our Made at Curve shows, we will ensure this production is made with sustainability in mind, carefully and creatively reusing existing set pieces where possible, and making sure any new items will have a future life. We hope Rosie the Owl will approve of this and her new home at Curve for Christmas.

“Helmed by our fantastic Team Curve members writer Chandni Mistry and director Cara Nolan, this inventive, charming and fun show is sure to be a hoot this Christmas!”

For more information and tickets, visit curveonline.co.uk