Chickenshed Launches Winter Show THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

In 1992, Diana, Princess of Wales brought her young sons to see Chickenshed's The Night Before Christmas. 21 years on, you can too, as Chickenshed, now in its own purpose-built and beautifully appointed theatre in Southgate, revisits The Night Before Christmas (until 11 January). The show was written by the company's artistic director, Mary Ward, but very much devised by the six Sleigh Kids, two of whom (Robin and Emma), all these years later, are returning to play grown-up roles. Chickenshed has that effect on its kids.

Though the show has been back before in various guises, it's a very special revival this year, as it lauches Chickenshed's 40th Anniversary celebrations and marks 20 years in its permanent home. Incredibly - on a scale possibly rivalled only by Aida - the cast for this production will number some 800! In four companies rotating through the run each bringing its very own take on the script, Chickenshed's professional actors will work alongside its students, its Children's and Youth Theatre members and its adult company. The actors are aged 7 to 70 and reflect humanity in all its manifestations - positively an Olympics and Paralympics of theatre! And just as inspiring. That commitment to diversity is reflected in the company's work with audiences too, many performers signing to those with hearing difficulties and touch tours and audio description offered to those with visual impairments.

Chickenshed's Mission and Vision states, "Our vision is a society that enables everyone to flourish and our mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change. Where difference can divide, at Chickenshed the difference makes the art." And, just as at last year's Paralympics when for thirty seconds you saw the disabilities and for the rest of the day you saw great sport from great sportsmen and sportswomen, so at Chickenshed: thirty seconds seeing difference and two hours seeing great theatre. There's no greater feelgood show in London!

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