‘Tis the season to be jolly!

Cumbernauld Theatre Trust is delighted to announce details of not one, but two festive productions this year as we welcome our audiences into our new venue, Lanternhouse. 

This year audiences will have the opportunity to see the premieres of two wonderfully entertaining and engaging shows made especially for all the family: Robin Hood is recommended for everyone over 5 years old and Hibernate is recommended for the little ones aged 2 – 5 years. 

CEO Sarah Price said: “We will be making this year’s festive season extra special for our audiences by creating two theatrical productions that will bring joy and laughter to our community. Both shows promise originality, heartfelt emotion and a sprinkle of festive magic… it’s just what we need to relax and have fun.” 

Cumbernauld Theatre Company presents 

An out-of-this-world Christmas show that you don’t want to miss! 

Written by Eve Nicol and directed by Fiona Mackinnon 

1 December – 28 December 2021 (various times) 

Robin Hood is a very funny, vibrant, and heart-warming adventure suitable for everyone age 5 years old and older. 

There is something strange happening in Robin’s neighbourhood. Freaky storms, eerie events and bizarre bureaucrats keep getting in the way of the perfect school holiday for Robin and her gang. But one mysterious new arrival in their forest hideout might just turn things around.  

This Robin Hood would never be seen in tights and together Robin and her band offer a fresh take on a favourite fable, that will be both familiar and surprising. 

Eve Nicol, writer of Robin Hood said: “When dreaming up a festive story for families coming to the new theatre, I wanted to celebrate treasured memories from my own childhood – the fun of playing outside with my cousins in Cumbernauld.  

Often our games revolved around recreating favourite US movies and cartoons. I’ve written a Christmas show with the kind of heroes those freedom seeking kids related to – more Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles than Prince Charming! 

Audiences can expect a show made especially for Cumbernauld this Christmas as we indulge in how good it is to celebrate in person with one another again. You will be in for a wild, fabulous, and furiously silly time.” 

Full of synth-sational music, twists, turns and extra-terrestrial encounters, this Robin Hood is a fresh new take on the classic tale of freedom, friendship, and rebellion.   

Cast and Creative team  

Robin – Julia Murray   
LJ – Amy Helena  
Tuck – Rosalind McAndrew  
Scarlett – Chiara Sparkes  
Sarge – Lauren Ellis- Steele  

Director – Fiona Mackinnon  
Writer – Eve Nicol  
Creative Producer – Cat Sheridan  
Technical Production Manager – Matt Nevans  
Designer – Alisa Kalyanova  
Lighting Designer – Benny Goodman  
Composers – Novasound; Lauren Gilmour & Audrey Tait   
Assistant Director – Amy McCombes (FST Bursary Recipient)   
Stage Manager – Rachel Pride  
Deputy Stage Manager – Nina Madriz  
BSL Consultant – Jamie Rea  

Robin Hood has a running time of 1:30 hours approx. including interval. 

The 2.30pm performance of Robin Hood on Saturday 4 December will be a relaxed performance. The 2.30pm performance of Robin Hood on Saturday 11 December will be a BSL (British Sign Language) signed and audio described performance. 

This year we will also be hosting two socially distanced performances of Robin Hood for people who would prefer to attend a performance with a reduced capacity: the 7.00pm performance of Robin Hood on Wednesday 22 December will be a socially distanced performance. The 2.30pm performance of Robin Hood on Monday 27 December will be a socially distanced performance. 

— 

a co-production between Cumbernauld Theatre and the multi award-winning visual theatre company, Tortoise in a Nutshell.

4 – 22 December 2021 (various times) 

A joyous, romp-filled adventure to catapult you from the dreamy, quiet lands of silent snoozing to the bright, fun-filled great outdoors.    

Rustle, rustle, rustle    
Snuffle, snuffle, snuffle    
Not a sound to be heard    
All is quiet    
Cosy and warm…    
BANG CRASH BANG    
 
What was that? A small, old mouse valiantly attempts to create the perfect place to snuggle down for a long winter’s nap. With a magical mound to lay their head, they are ready to hide away from the world outside…until a rambunctious squirrel absentmindedly stumbles into their serene sleeping abode.     
 
Hibernate is about re-emerging into the world and discovering relationships you did not know you needed, about finding hope and joy through connection with someone from an entirely different world from your own.   

Tortoise in a Nutshell are no stranger to working with Cumbernauld Theatre Company and in North Lanarkshire, having been Cumbernauld Theatre Trust’s first company in residence in 2012. 

Arran Howie and Alex Bird, Co-Directors of Tortoise in a Nutshell said: “Eight years ago we were Cumbernauld Theatre’s first ever company in residence, and during this time we created our award-winning production Feral, which has since toured around the world. We are delighted to be working with the theatre again to create Hibernate in their brand-new space. The theatre and team have always been so supportive of our work, and we’re excited to be sharing this new festive story with audiences this Christmas.” 

Hibernate is suitable for everyone from 2 – 5 years (Nursery – P1), their friends and families.  

Running time: 35 mins with an optional additional 15 minutes of guided play at the end of each performance (50 minutes in total).     

The 10.45am performance of Hibernate on Saturday 4 December will be a relaxed performance. The 10.45am performance of Hibernate on Saturday 11 December will be a BSL (British Sign Language) signed and audio described performance. 

Cast and Creative Team 

Performers – Jess Innes and Charles Donnelly 

Directing and Assistant Designing – Alex Bird 
Design and Assistant Director – Arran Howie 
Dramaturg/Associate Director – Matt Addicott 
Composer – Jim Harbourne 
Lighting Designer – Michaella Fee 
Producer – Li Kennedy  

For details of the dates and times for each production, and to book your tickets for Robin Hood and Hibernate, go online at www.lanternhousearts.org or visit or telephone our Box Office: 01236 732887. 

Season’s greetings