Spike Theatre's Beasts and Beauties

Here's a recommendation by proxy -- anyone round Kendal way this Christmas will be lucky enough to catch Liverpool's own Spike Theatre and their brand new festive show. Fairy tale fans take a mystical journey into the weird and wonderful realm of the imagination in Beasts and Beauties at the Brewery Arts Centre, where the company premiered last year’s hit show Danny the Champion of the World. From the icy blasts of a Norwegian winter and the grisly goings on in a wicked stepmother’s kitchen, Beasts and Beauties features eight spellbinding fairy tales from across Europe in a show by poet Carol Ann Duffy. Beauty and the Beast (naturally), The Emperor’s New Clothes, Bluebeard, The Juniper Tree,  The Three Wishes and more are told in true Spike style, with their own award winning director Mark Smith at the helm. Each fairy tale is brought to life with innovative scenery and hair-raising costumes to evoke a menagerie of animals ranging from wolves to mythical beasts, created by the Olivier nominated designer, Kevin Pollard. Long time Spike collaborator Matthew Wood creates the original score. Chief executive of the Brewery Richard Foster said:  “This year’s Christmas show promises to be a lot darker than traditional festive shows.  Visitors can expect a mystical journey into the weird and wonderful realm of the imagination and will be transported from Norwegian fjords to the grisly surroundings of a wicked stepmother’s kitchen. We are pleased to once again be working with the innovative Spike Theatre who always create something fun, magical and ever so slightly dark.” Beasts and Beauties runs from December 7 to 31 with shows ranging from 10am to 7pm daily. For further details call the Brewery box office on 01539 725133 or visit the website www.breweryarts.co.uk.Here's more pictures from the show: