By Sean Butters
PARENTS AND children can enjoy a Christmas story with a Russian twist as Babushka returns to the Uppermill Civic Hall for the sixth year.
Hard Graft Theatre will put on the play between December 22–24, with founder Mark Whiteley set to make his debut performance as the play also visits Oldham Library for the first time from December 12-21.
‘Babushka’, the Russian word for grandmother, is the s
tory of an old lady who lives with only her animals for company and her pursuit of the Three Kings across deserts, mountains and rivers to present her own gift to the new-born King.
Mark, who writes the plays during his summer holidays, admitted: “This is the first time I have performed in one of my Christmas shows.
“We are the only Christmas show for the under tens locally,” he added. “Santa visits after every performance to give each child a gift and to take their letters to the North Pole.”
Designer Celia Perkins also works on the Oldham Coliseum Pantomime, while dancers and choreographer Katie Soliman from Infinity Dance will take part in what promises to be a memorable experience.
Mark added: “We have a full sized Cart in this year’s show which was last seen on the Manchester Library theatre stage in Mother Courage and I’m very excited about it.”
While the focus is on children, there are plenty of incentives for adults to get into the festive spirit as Mark added: “Last Christmas we got through 20 bottles of mulled wine in two days.”
The plays, which attract around 2,500 people each year, are in high demand, with bookings already being taken for next year’s performances of ‘The Elves and the Shoemaker’.
Bookings for ‘Babushka – The Russian Mrs. Christmas’ can be made by telephoning 0161 652 6026 or by visiting http://www.hardgraft.co.uk
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