Celebrate Christmas at the Citz this December

A magical adventure filled with wonder and surprise, Dominic Hill directs writer Stuart Paterson's circus-inspired adaptation of classic fairytale Hansel & Gretel at the Citizens Theatre this Christmas from 6 December - 7 January.

Abandoned in a deep forest with no way home, Hansel and Gretel stumble upon an extraordinary circus. Enticed by a travelling company of acrobats, clowns and musicians, and the delicious smell of gingerbread, they are lured into the path of a cruel witch who plots to devour them.

Hansel & Gretel is a colourful big-top adventure filled with fun, laughter and suspense, recommended for ages 6+. Capturing all the splendour of the original tale with a generous pinch of Citz magic and some unexpected twists, Hansel & Gretel is a deliciously indulgent feast that all the family can enjoy.

Directed by Artistic Director, Dominic Hill this new Christmas production reunites with the talented creative team behind the Citizens' five-star production of A Christmas Carol, which captivated audiences in 2014.

Designer Rachael Canning and Lighting Designer Lizzie Powell will bring the spectacle of the circus to the stage, creating a fairytale world of theatrical magic.

A weird and wonderful soundscape conjuring all the fun of the fair will be created by Hill's regular collaborator Nikola Kodjabashia and performed live on stage by the company. As well as previous Christmas show A Christmas Carol, Kodjabashia has lent his distinctive style to Hill's productions of This Restless House, Hamlet and Crime and Punishment in recent years.

A talented ensemble of actors will bring the characters to life. The cast includes John Kielty in the dual roles of Father and Lob and John O'Mahony as Orin, who both revisit the Citizens Theatre having appeared in A Christmas Carol.

Citizens Theatre Actor Intern Shaun Miller, most recently been seen on stage in Hill's production of The Rivals, takes the role of Hansel. Fellow Actor Intern Chloe-Ann Tylor, who appeared in the Citizens' acclaimed production of Trainspotting will play circus performer, Moff.

Karen Fishwick will play Gretel having freshly completed a tour of Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour with the National Theatre of Scotland which was performed across the UK and internationally with performances at National Theatre, London and Arts Centre, Melbourne, Australia. Previously she appeared at the Citizens in the 2014 production of Glasgow Girls.

The cast is completed by Irene Allen playing the roles of Hansel and Gretel's wicked stepmother and a gluttonous witch, Richard Booth, Peter Collins and Jack Dorning.

For younger audiences, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland will present a brand new show for 3 - 6 year olds in the Citizens' Circle Studio from 8 - 31 December. Simon's Magical Christmas Socks by Andy McGregor is an intimate, interactive and fun-filled festive adventure about an ordinary boy who is given extraordinary socks from a mysterious stranger. When he finds out that Santa is in a pickle and needs his help, Simon, his magic socks and a merry band of friends set off on a fantastical adventure to rescue Santa and save Christmas. This year marks Andy's third Christmas show for wee ones at the Citizens, following Flora's Fairy Challenge and Eric the Elf's Chaotic Christmas.

RELAXED PERFORMANCES

There will be relaxed performances for the matinee of Simon's Magical Christmas Socks on 21 December at 2pm and the matinee of Hansel & Gretel on 4 January at 2pm.

These performances are aimed at audience members who would benefit from a more relaxed theatre environment, including people with an autistic spectrum disorder or sensory or communication disorder and their families.

The performances will be a supportive, relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for the whole family.

Performances of Simon's Magical Christmas Socks take place in Circle Studio and Hansel & Gretel take place in the on Main Stage.

For both shows, audience members will be able to access the performance area before the show begins and will be free to leave at any time. A quiet room will also be provided in the theatre. Seating for Hansel & Gretel on the Main Stage is reserved and Simon's Magical Christmas Socks in the Circle Studio is unreserved.

Please note that the age-recommendation for Simon's Magical Christmas Socks is 3-6 years, and for Hansel & Gretel is 6 years+. Both shows are suitable for children, teenagers, adults and their families.

The Citizens Theatre is fully accessible with cafe, toilets and plenty of parking. A visual story for both relaxed performances will be available in due course.

Family tickets for Hansel & Gretel start from £33 for a family of three to £75 for a family of five.

Family tickets for Simon's Magical Christmas Socks start from £21 for a family of three to £35 for a family of five.

More information about both Hansel & Gretel and Simon's Magical Christmas Socks can be found on the Citizens Theatre's website citz.co.uk.

Tickets available from the Citizens' website citz.co.uk or by calling 0141 429 0022.

Hansel & Gretel is sponsored by Kirriemuir Gingerbread.

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