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The Farmer and The Clown
Presented by Flibbertigibbet Theatre.
Flibbertigibbet Theatre is delighted to announce that after a successful tour this year, The Farmer and The Clown, will be retouring nationally in Spring 2025. A wordless show for all ages, featuring dance, physical comedy and live music.
The story is about an unlikely friendship between an old farmer living in the middle of nowhere, and a baby clown, who has fallen from the back of a passing circus train. What happens when someone from a different world, lands in the world of another? The story delicately explores themes of loneliness, friendship, and care, across the divisions of age and community.
The Farmer and The Clown is an adaptation of the picture book by the multiple award-winning author and illustrator, Marla Frazee, whose book, Boss Baby became an international animation hit for Dreamworks and 20th Century Fox.
The beautiful pictures from the book were our storyboard, and took inspiration from silent movies, such as Charlie Chaplin’s The Kid, which, despite being over 100 years old, can still make audiences laugh and cry.
Playing without words, the show is accessible to a wide range of audiences. We worked with a Visual Language consultant and Deaf Access Support consultant, to ensure that the physical language created for the storytelling is clear and accessible for all audiences, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Anyone who does not speak English can still enjoy the show as language is not an issue.
‘UTTERLY HEARTWARMING AND RELATABLE…. What Flibbertigibbet have created is a beautiful, simple, and charming piece of theatre, suitable for all' Bristol 24/7
'The Farmer and The Clown has been created with such care, skill, artistry and talent that like all very special pieces of theatre it stays with you long after the event, feeding your soul and reminding you of how magical an experience theatre can be. I absolutely loved every second of it' Sally Cookson, Theatre Director
'…absolutely beautiful. I LOVED it! Beautiful performance and gorgeous music. Touched and delighted' Emma Rice, Wise Children
Funded by Arts Council England and with support from House South East, Bristol Old Vic Theatre and Wyldwood Arts, the show that aims to bring audiences together. Bring your Granny, Grandpa, Uncles, Aunts and neighbours. Suitable for ages 3 – 100.
Studio
£12 | £10 under 16s | Family and Friends (4 people) £40
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Pinocchio
Visit the incredible world of Stuff and Nonsense as they bring Pinocchio to our stage for Christmas 2024.
This is the unique story of ‘when dad was made of wood’...
One cold night Pinocchio, Geppetto and Sonny go on a journey in search of a place to live. Little do they know the house they’re staying in is a playground for their imaginations...
Join the trio as they embark on adventures to the land of play, inside a whale and much more! Will Pinocchio ever turn back into a real boy?
Stuff and Nonsense are leaders in family theatre. Their adaptation of Pinocchio combines classic elements of the story – a poor woodcarver, the tell-tale growing nose, the dream of becoming a real boy – with their hallmark hilarity, skilled puppetry, original music, fantastic staging, outstanding performers and extraordinary physical tricks.
Invest in your children’s imaginations: join us in the theatre and take playfulness home with you!
'Oodles of festive fun, silliness, and joy, Norden Farm’s take on the classic tale is what every kid needs this Christmas' Muddy Stilettos
'The actors move seamlessly between the characters and the show is peppered with music. it’s also really funny! It really felt like a show that would ignite the imagination of children watching it' Red Kite Days
'A very clever and creative way to tell the story of Pinocchio and a definite must see this Christmas' Face2Face Maidenhead
'Pinocchio and his father Geppetto have many adventures on the way with the imagination of the young audience egging them on' Marlow FM
Age guidance
Suitable for all the family - age guidance 3 - 10 years.
Relaxed Performances
The performances on Saturday 30 November at 11am and Friday 27 December at 11am are Relaxed. Ideal for families with babies or toddlers and children with SEND. Everyone is welcome to join us for this friendly format.
Signed Performance
The performance on Saturday 21 December at 2pm will be signed.
Run time
Pinocchio is 70 minutes long without an interval.
Tickets
£16 | £14 Under 16s
£56 Family and Friends (4 people)
Tickets for children under 18 months
For this show, tickets/seats are not required for children under 18 months who are happy to sit on laps.
Pre-School Term Time Ticket Offer
Book one Standard and one Under 5 ticket for term time performances of Pinocchio for the special price of £25. Valid on Tuesday - Friday performances until Fri 20 Dec. Offer applied in basket once logged into your account.
Creative Team
Directed by Niki McCretton
Music by Dom Coyote
With additional music by Tim Dalling
Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company's website
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Royal Ballet and Opera Cinema Season: The Nutcracker
Discover the enchantment of ballet with this sparkling festive treat for the whole family.
Join Clara at a delightful Christmas Eve party that becomes a magical adventure once everyone else is tucked up in bed. Marvel at the brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s score, as Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker fight the Mouse King and visit the Sugar Plum Fairy in the glittering Kingdom of Sweets. Peter Wright’s much-loved production for The Royal Ballet, with gorgeous period designs by Julia Trevelyan Oman, keeps true to the spirit of this festive ballet classic, combining the thrill of the fairy tale with spectacular dancing.
Courtyard Theatre Cinema
£16
Running time: 127 minutes, one intervals
Royal Opera & Ballet's website
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Pop Up Bowie
Paul Anthony has amazed and entertained audiences throughout the nation.
Accompanied by a full band, he will perform two hours of Bowie’s biggest hits taking the audience on a musical journey.
Experience the magic of Bowie’s music live with thrilling artistry, a theatrical performance that honours the revolutionary icon himself in the most respectful of ways.
WHY? Voted the UK’s No.1 David Bowie Tribute Act at the National Tribute Awards 2016
Courtyard Theatre
£22.50
Please prepare for your visit by reading our latest Visitor Information here. This includes important information about face coverings and measures we have implemented to keep everyone safe when visiting Norden Farm.
Showstopper Tots
Led by Mairi Cowieson
Showstopper Tots Musical Theatre themed music and movement classes for ages 2-5yrs. Younger siblings are welcome. Under 6 months free.
Sing, Dance and drive with us on our wonderfully fun and exciting Chitty Chitty Bang Bang theme. A magic car? One that flies? Don't forget to say 'Please Chitty' as we play our 'Toot Sweets' and find out how the dogs have ruined Mr Potts's chances of buying that Car! We will dance to 'Me Ol' Bamboo' and succeed in our mission to trick the Vulgarians, as we sing 'Chu-chi Face' and use excellent 'Teamwork'!
A class like no other! Little ones, dance, sing and enjoy a drama adventure, ending each class with our unique story show, in our mini theatre.
Building confidence, musicality, coordination, concentration, all through the wonderful world of Musical Theatre. Led by a professional West End performer and director.
Spring
Course 1:
Thur 9 Jan - 13 Feb (6 weeks)
Course 2:
Thur 27 Feb - 3 Apr (6 weeks)
£48 for 6 week course (1 adult and 1 child)
£9 drop-in per session (1 adult and 1 child).
£5.40 drop-in per sibling per session
A story song is added to each week to enhance their engagement and concentration skills. It's also fun for the parents/carers who attend with their little ones.
Age guidance: 2-5 years
Ed Byrne - Tragedy Plus Time
Attributed to Mark Twain, humour is defined as Tragedy Plus Time. Join Ed as he tests that formula by mining the most tragic event in his life for laughs.
Proudly presented by Phil McIntyre Live Ltd.
'Hilarious, extremely dark, profoundly touching and resolutely unsentimental. Ed Byrne has plumbed the very depths of his soul and found something verging on greatness' ★★★★★ Rolling Stone
'A delicate, sensitive high-wire act of a show, yet Byrne never once stumbles' ★★★★★ Mail on Sunday
'This is no misery memoir, Byrne is too talented a comic for that' ★★★★★ The Arts Desk
'Poignant, touching, spiky and laugh-out-loud funny… beautifully written and flawlessly performed' ★★★★★ Edinburgh Reviews
'He has delivered a fantastically funny and moving monologue where there is no doubt that we are seeing the authentic Ed… Byrne has hit new heights' ★★★★★ London Evening Standard
'A full range of human emotions, from rage to dark humour to poignancy and back again, is felt during this magnificent comedy hour' ★★★★★ London Theatre 1
'Side-splitting... Byrne is comedy gold' ★★★★★ Theatre & Arts Reviews
'A fierce tribute... tremendously funny, thoughtful and fond' Fest Mag
Courtyard Theatre
£32.50
Age guidance: 14+ years
Content warning - discussions of death.
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- 9 Jan SOLD OUT
Funky Monkeys
An energetic and creative music and movement class for babies and children under 5.
This fun and funky session uses lights, puppets, parachute, instruments and music to get your little ones moving!
Suitable for ages 9 months - 5 years.
Spring
Fri 10 Jan - 25 Apr (exc 21 Feb and 11 Apr)
11am - 11.45am
£8.50 | Siblings (9 months +) £4 | £45 for 6 sessions a term (this offer doesn't include the sibling ticket)
If you would like to book the offer price for 6 sessions, please enter a ticket for each date you would like to attend into your basket and the offer will apply automatically.
Intermediate Yoga
Led by Julie Potter
This class is suited to those who have been practising for at least 6. My intention for this class is to move our practise forward, explore different avenues and approaches to the traditional postures. We will be aiming to be going deeper into ‘awareness’ and ‘noticing’.
The yoga I teach is an evolution of over 20 years of practice and study, perhaps moving away from ‘external’ evaluation of the postures and moving towards an ‘internal’ sense of the postures, moving away from the more used traditional approach of systemised yoga to a more experiential approach. Whilst looking at traditional Hatha Yoga postures and pranayamas, I will be encouraging fun and freedom within the traditional structure, whilst taking into our awareness fundamental anatomical and functional aspects required by our bodies for maximum wellbeing benefits.
Please bring a blanket, a yoga / Pilates mat, and wear loose comfortable clothing.
Spring
Fri 10 Jan - 7 Feb (5 weeks)
Fri 14 Feb - 14 Mar (5 weeks)
Fri 21 Mar - 25 Apr (5 weeks)
11am - 12.15pm
£12 per session | £50 per 5 week course
This class will take place both in person and online via Zoom.
You will find the link to access the session in your booking confirmation email
Salsa
Led by SalsaStyle
Specialising for twenty years in providing individual attention to help you develop dance techniques and grow in confidence. SalsaStyle will ensure everyone feels welcome no matter what level.
Spring
Fri 10 Jan - 7 Feb (5 weeks)
Fri 14 Feb - 14 Mar (5 weeks)
Fri 21 Mar - 25 Apr (5 weeks) (excl 18 Apr)
8.15pm - 9.15pm
£12 per session | £50 per 5 week course
Don't forget to stay for the Salsa Social from 9.15pm - 10pm: stay after the class for a dance and drink!
Box Office closes at 8pm but online booking is still available.
Click here for more information about SalsaStyle.
Please note that the class on Friday 8 March will be led by Darren and Tara.
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