The show must go on - councils help theatre stage a Christmas cracker

CHRISTMAS CHEER: The leaders of Hull and East Riding Councils, Councillor Steve Brady, front left, and Councillor Richard Burton, front right, with back row, from left, Janthi Mills-Ward, Laurie Jamieson, Joanna Holden, Louise Willoughby, Rachel Dale, Amelia Don, and Mark Babych

Hull Truck Theatre’s Christmas show, Prince Charming’s Christmas Cracker, will be screened on YouTube thanks to a partnership with Hull and East Riding councils.

The local authorities are helping to fund the show, which will be streamed at 7pm on Tuesday, December 22.

The performance will then be available on demand until January 3, with schools and community groups having access for the weeks beginning January 4 and 11 with accompanying resource packs.

Rehearsals for the show, which is written and directed by the theatre's artistic director Mark Babych, were just about to begin when the country went into its second national lockdown.

With continued restrictions, uncertainty and acknowledgement of the impact art and culture has on wellbeing, the theatre’s two local authorities stepped in to not only ensure the show can go on, but that it can be enjoyed by households across the region.

Janthi Mills-Ward, the theatre’s executive director, said “This is the first time we’ve worked together with our two local councils to fund something like this and we’re thrilled to be able to offer residents a magical Christmas experience at the end of such a challenging year.

“Engaging in arts and culture has been found to be associated with increased well-being and we can’t thank East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Hull City Council enough for their support.

“We hope this innovative collaboration brings a little joy and happiness to residents, schools and care homes, with a shared experience for families and friends to enjoy together, whether as seasoned or first-time theatre-goers.”

The theatre describes the event as “an interactive experience, with behind-the-scenes footage and unique backstage views, [which] will make the streamed performance different to watching a film or show on TV”.

Hull City Council Leader Steve Brady said: “It’s been a tremendously difficult year for all of us. Christmas is a special time, but sadly this year certain Christmas traditions cannot be celebrated in the usual ways.

“Going to the theatre, whether it be to see a pantomime or a retelling of one of our favourite Christmas tales, is, for many people, one of the highlights of the festive period.

“Credit to Hull Truck for ensuring families and residents can still enjoy and experience the fun of the theatre this Christmas. Hull City Council is delighted to be able to support the performance and we wish all residents a merry Christmas and a happy new year.”

READY TO DAZZLE: Hull Truck Theatre

East Riding Council Leader Richard Burton said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to contribute to this exciting project, which we see as vital in engaging with all our local audiences in these challenging times.

“Whether residents at home, schools, or residents in care homes, we all need the uplift that the performing arts can bring, and the connections it can make between us all. I’m really looking forward to seeing what promises to be a real cracker of a show.”

Mr Babych said: “Christmas is a time of year when fairytale heroes and villains are a firm feature in the plays and pantos so many of us love to experience as part of the festive calendar. Covid-19 is certainly this year’s villain, but this year we have so many heroes to thank.

“We’re delighted the show can be enjoyed by audiences across the region and that we can continue to support artists and freelancers in what’s been an incredibly difficult year for the industry.”

The YouTube link will be made available on the theatre website at www.hulltruck.co.uk/christmas-stream and social media channels.  

The theatre said ticket holders due to attend the live performances have been contacted to “discuss options”.