Kip, Kip hooray!
SNOWFLAKES will be falling in Maidenhead this Christmas. Kipper’s Snowy Day is set to entertain audiences at Norden Farm from Tuesday, November 30, to Sunday, December 30.
Based on the award-winning children’s book Kipper the Dog, by Mick Inkpen, the story will be brought to life on stage, thanks to Slot Machine theatre company.
The plot follows Kipper, his friend Tiger, and their magical adventure in the snow.
Filled with original songs, including Big Hill, and Very Positive About Snow, the soundtrack aims to reflect the action happening on stage with puppets.
It is inspired by the concept of a fresh, snowy night and the blank page of a book.
Nicola Blackwell, co-artistic director at Slot Machine, says: “Audiences are in for a really spectacular show. We’ve tried to recreate that visual world tastefully on stage and families will be able to watch it all come to life and experience that magic of the show.”
Slot Machine theatre has a long-standing relationship with Norden Farm. The arts venue has presented three Christmas pieces with the company, and was one of the first theatres to commission them.
Ms Blackwell says they chose Kipper’s Snowy Day because it is “well-loved by so many families”.
She continues: “We just really enjoy the book, and our adaptation actually includes both Kipper’s Snowy Day and Kipper’s Christmas Eve, which is what Mick Inkpen suggested we do.
“Mick was so lovely to work with, and I think his character definitely reflects in his books, showing his generosity and heart-warming nature,” she says.
This production isn’t the only production Slot Machine have been working on throughout the pandemic. Other shows include Your Toys, The Boy, The Piano and The Beach, and Scooter Ballet.
The company’s focus is on multidisciplinary work for family audiences, ranging from commercial pieces to larger-scale choreographic shows.
During lockdown Slot Machine released a film of Kipper’s Snowy Day, which was screened at various BFI cinemas. Now, live theatre is back and Norden Farm has the festive adventure.
Ms Blackwell says that after a challenging Christmas last year, she is excited to be spreading joy to families this festive season.
“You won’t see a show like this anywhere else this Christmas,” she explains.
“Our production is so unique, and no other theatre company in the UK has been commissioned to do this adaptation, so I think that’s what makes our show so special.
“You just can’t beat walking into a theatre and seeing all the children laughing and engaged in your show, and it’s a real privilege to be a part of it.”
Tickets for Kipper’s Snowy Day cost £14.50, or £12.50 for under 16s. A family ticket of four seats is £50. Relaxed performances will take place on Saturday, December 4, at 11am and Wednesday, December 29.
Touch tours are available before the show.
■ For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01628 788997, or log on to: norden.farm
A CHOIR is preparing for its first concert since the covid pandemic.
Cantemus is used to performing four times a year, and is sure to be in fine voice when they return next month.
They will be performing a selection of Christmas carols, songs and readings at St Mary’s Church in Kintbury.
The musical director will be Andrew Cox, while the accompanist is Chris Lambert.
It takes place from 3pm to 4pm on Saturday, December 18.
Tickets cost £10 and will be available on the door, with proceeds going to St Mary’s Fabric Fund.
Cantemus are also preparing for its spring concert, which is schedule for Saturday, March 19. It will take place at St Mary’s Church in Shaw cum Donnington. n For more information, log on to: www.facebook.com/cantemusnewbury and: www.cantemus-newbury.org