Theatre / Christmas
A new festive show will bring ‘music, sleigh bells and bucketloads of Christmas spirit’ to BS3
A new festive show will see Father Christmas coming to the doorsteps of south Bristol throughout December.
BS3 Santa is a mini interactive show travelling throughout Bedminster, Ashton Gate and Southville, bringing coronavirus-safe Christmas cheer to households in the area.
Stewart Wright, Lucy Tuck and Celia Wright are behind the show, which will bring “some festive fun” to families.
is needed now More than ever
“Theatre is a huge part of our lives, something we have missed terribly either as performers or viewers since March,” says Celia, a communication coach-turned-doorstep theatre producer.
“It’s been a joy to be back creating again. Live arts have had such a miserable year, as have so many art forms, that I felt we had to find a way to create something that could work despite Covid-19.
“So this is our way of bringing some of the magic of theatre back into people’s lives.”
Stewart plays Santa and Lucy plays his elf. The pair will bring playful theatre and direct interaction to families, with the mini-show finishing with a sparkler finale. Each household performed to will also receive a gift.
Lucy Tuck will play Elf. Photo: Martin Hartley
Stewart works in film, TV and at Bristol Old Vic, including playing Uncle Henry in Nativity 3, Dude Where’s My Donkey?. Lucy is a theatre actor who ordinarily plays key roles in the Tobacco Factory Theatre’s Christmas shows.
The show is a “street theatre meets a travelling Santa’s grotto experience”, and the show is improvised, with costumes made by Spike Island-based Jagprops Ltd.
“I had the idea about two months ago and chatted it through with another mum in the playground,” Celia says. Since then it’s moved very quickly, which it had to do, to get up on it’s feet ready for the start of the run.”
Celia’s husband, Stewart, normally plays Santa at school fairs and the new show is a chance to wear the big red suit in a coronavirus-safe way.
Stewart Wright has featured in a host of theatre, TV and film. Photo: Ruth Crafer
Money raised from the shows will go towards Victoria Park Baptist Church food bank and the trio will be seeing if a similar format can be used for other shows.
“Their sleigh will be out of sight on the rooftops, though you may hear Rudolph’s bells jingling,” says Celia. “There’ll be music, sleigh bells and bucketloads of Christmas spirit.”
Main photo: Bristol24/7
Read more: Bristol Old Vic launches second season of at-home theatre
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