Theatre News

Ullaloom stages musical version of The Snow Queen

A new adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen is brought to a Liverpool stage this Christmas when it opens at the Unity Theatre.

The show is anticipated to be visually arresting and filled with magical music and song, as it takes its audience from Wicked Wizards school of Evil Looks, beyond faraway lands of musical snow flakes, goblins and mirrors that sing, to the frozen realm of the Snow Queen and her icy heart.”

This Unity Theatre production is in association with Hope Street Limited and Liverpool-based Ullaloom Theatre Company.

Patrick Dineen makes a return to the theatre based in Hope Place having previously re-worked another Hans Christian Andersen tale, The Emperor’s New Clothes, for the Unity at the end of the Liverpool’s reign as European Capital of Culture in 2008.

He will direct and compose The Snow Queen with support from children’s playwright Mike Kenny. The set designer is Graeme Skingle and costume designer is Laura Hollowell.

Taking on the role of the Snow Queen is Rosie McLaughlin, while Filippo Fiori, Lucy Fiori, Marta Cunha, Jamie Stuart, and Lauren Silver make up the rest of the cast.

Speaking about the production, Filippo Fiori, of the Ullaloom Theatre Company, said: “This is going to be a beautiful production, very filmic. It is a fantastic story about growing up and becoming adults. The Snow Queen will bring winter with her whenever she is on stage. It’s going to look breathtaking!”

The Snow Queen continues the Unity Theatre’s 21-year passion for traditional stories told in an untraditional way. This musical version of The Snow Queen builds upon its successful productions of The Tinder Box, Pinocchio and The Emperor’s New Clothes and aims to be a seasonal delight for all the family this Christmas.

The Unity is also getting involved in a celebration of arts, culture and the environment this Christmas with its participation in the recently launched public art event, Go Penguins, taking place in St Helens, Liverpool and Wirral.

Throughout the festive season until 10 January next year, a flock of more than 200 specially decorated penguins made out of fibreglass will be scattered across Liverpool, St Helens and Wirral and be situated in schools, offices, and arts venues including the Unity.

John Bridge, senior marketing assistant at the Unity, said: “Our Christmas show The Snow Queen is coming up from 1st December. We’re making a bit of a fuss on 1st December as our penguin will be in place on the roof and we’re opening our winter wonderland space with mulled wine and mince pies from 7pm, before the show starts at 7.30pm.”

The Snow Queen opens at the Unity Theatre on Tuesday 1 December and runs until Saturday 23 January 2010. Tickets cost £5-£9. Call 0151 709 4988 to book early.

Next year will be the Unity’s 30th anniversary year at its Hope Place home.