The Bluecoat, Liverpool’s centre for contemporary arts, will host ‘Father Christmas Storytelling’, a special festive event, created in collaboration with Liverpool storyteller, teacher, theatre maker and local legend Gav Cross.
Running on multiple dates between Saturday 29th November until Tuesday 23rd December, this fun and festive storytelling event features original stories developed by Gav Cross, inspired by classic tales, delivered by his cousin, the one and only, Father Christmas. He’s been bringing his sold out shows to venues across Merseyside for five years, and Gav has finally convinced him to make a stop at the Bluecoat in the heart of Liverpool City Centre.
Described as “pure Christmas magic” by a previous attendee, Father Christmas Storytelling is a hilarious, mischievous, warm, and welcoming show for all ages, with a hint of satire that older children and parents can enjoy. It’s the perfect Christmas family outing, complete with fun festive stories, and a chance to meet and take family photos with Father Christmas. Tickets can also include an optional extra of a children’s lunch bag to keep the family fed and entertained.
This special Christmas show acts as a homecoming to the Bluecoat for Gav. It follows on from his award winning Twisted Christmas Tales for Terrible Children, which was first performed at the Bluecoat as part of the Liverpool Fringe in 2019.
Gav said:
“I am a little annoyed that my cousin, Father Christmas, copied my idea. Back in December 2019, I brought my storytelling show Twisted Christmas Tales to the Bluecoat. He thought I was a little too mean to the children and insisted I write a new storytelling show for him, and here we are, back at the Bluecoat withFather Christmas Storytelling!”
He continues:
“All storytellers have a little bit of magic. This is especially needed when things are cold and dark outside. Storytelling can lift you up and fill your day with laughter and joy. Even though Father Christmas is my distant cousin, many times removed, he is very similar to me, and you can expect a magical hour of silliness, noise and nonsense that will bring Christmas joy to you and your families. Plus, he’s a little nicer to children than I am…”
Gav’s distinctive approach to children’s storytelling ensures all children are given the opportunity to be themselves and enjoy the show in whatever way they feel comfortable. His performances are inclusive; devised with the wants and needs of neurodivergent and neurotypical children in mind. He creates a welcoming environment, with freedom for audiences to choose their seats, move around, and clear guidance on what they can expect from the show. Children are encouraged to get involved, but there is no pressure and no expectations.
Gav said:
“I have helped Father Christmas understand that some children can get a bit overwhelmed when they meet him. That is why Father Christmas will always be in the room when you arrive so you get to spend more time with him before the show, than you would in a typical experience. It allows the audience to get used to being in the space with him. It also gives everyone the opportunity to choose where they feel comfortable to sit before the show starts, whether that’s closer to Father Christmas or with their family in the stalls. It is an inclusive production and everybody is welcome.”
Previous attendee said:
“My little girl gets overwhelmed really easily and has a hard time joining in, but she was up pretending to be a reindeer today and couldn’t stop smiling all the way home.”
At the Bluecoat, there will be several ‘relaxed performances’, specifically designed to offer an even more accessible and comfortable experience for those who may find theatre settings overwhelming and challenging. This includes lowered sound levels and more lighting. There will also be an option for children who are visually impaired to meet Father Christmas before the show for a ‘touch tour’ of props and costumes.
You can book your tickets here.
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