The Christmas show at Newcastle-under-Lyme’s New Vic Theatre has become one of our favourite family traditions. This year the acclaimed theatre-in-the-round has chosen The Prince and the Pauper for its annual festive production.
The story – set in Tudor England – is a classic life-swap adventure that sees the two main characters step into each other’s vastly different shoes.
Based on the novel by the American author Mark Twain, The Prince and the Pauper has been adapted and directed by Theresa Heskins to produce a show packed with live music, humour, puppetry, and plenty of festive charm.
Our verdict
The magic began from the moment I stepped into the auditorium with my husband and our nine-year-old son. As we took our seats, we admired the stunning mini-Tudor houses wrapped around the balcony balustrade, perfectly setting the scene.
Soon the show got underway, with the New Vic’s trademark imagination and wit ever-present.
The two main characters (wonderfully played by twins Danielle and Nichole Bird) were easy for the young (and more mature) audience members to relate to. After all, who doesn’t wonder from time to time what it would be like to step into someone else’s shoes – and for no-one else to notice.
As the heir to the throne, Edward (Danielle) enjoys a life of luxury with servants for absolutely everything, while Tom (Nichole) lives in poverty but has the freedom to explore that Edward is denied. Fired by curiosity, the pair switch clothes and lives, with humorous, dramatic and often moving results.
The twins’ fellow cast members are all on top form, with special mention to Gareth Cassidy who does a hilarious turn as Mary Tudor, ably assisted by his rather imaginative costume.
The set and props are as creative as ever, while the music throughout delights, along with the performances by the younger members of the production.
Hats off to the New Vic for offering theatregoers an alternative to panto and I hope it’s a tradition that long continues.
The Prince and the Pauper is a spellbinding show for the whole family, which is sure to get you in the festive spirit.
CAST
David Ahmad – The Hero (Miles Hendon/Minstrel)
Danielle Bird – Apprentice Hero (Edward)
Nichole Bird – Apprentice Fool (Tom)
Kieran Buckeridge – Player Manager (First Lord of Everything/Minstrel)
Gareth Cassidy – Player Queen (Mary Tudor/Beefeater)
Matthew Ganley – Fool (Pa Canty/Minstrel)
Elliot Gooch – Apprentice Player (Understudy/Minstrel)
Jasmin Hinds – Player Princess (Elizabeth I)
Sufia Manya – Dame (Ma Canty/Minstrel)
Faz Shah – Player (Show Musical Director/Minstrel)
Tom Richardson – Player King (Henry VIII/Beefeater)
Margit van der Zwan – Player (Minstrel)
Joss Wyre – Apprentice Player (Understudy)
When is The Prince and the Pauper being performed?
The show opened on 16 November 2019, and continues until 25 January 2020. For full details of performance dates and times, visit the New Vic Theatre’s website.
Where?
New Vic Theatre
Etruria Road
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Staffordshire
ST5 0JG
How much?
Tickets range from £17 to £26.50.
How do I book?
Visit the New Vic’s website: www.newvictheatre.org.uk or call the box office on 01782 717962.
Things to note
- Parking is available at the theatre for £1.50 (free before 6pm)
- Free parking for Blue Badge holders close to the theatre entrance (reserve a space with the box office)
- Accessible performances are available for schools and families
- Sign language-interpreted, audio-described, captioned and relaxed performances are available
- The theatre has its own café, bar and shop
- If you’re planning to eat before the show, it’s recommended to reserve a table by calling 01782 717954 ext. 325
- You can pre-order interval drinks using the interval slips provided at the bar
- There’s a lift to the first floor for anyone with a pushchair or who might struggle with stairs
- Baby-changing facilities are available
You may also want to read this:
Review: Season’s Greetings at New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme
Review: Handbagged at New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme
Review: The Wind In The Willows at the New Vic Theatre
By Colette Warbrook
Photo credit: New Vic Theatre / Andrew Billington
* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.
20 comments
I love going to see a show at Christmas. I think I saw the Disney version of The Prince and the Pauper when I was a kid, which probably isn’t quite the same, but I can remember it was a really great story!
How wonderful to hear that Samantha, yes there is nothing like to get your into the Christmas mood
This sounds like a great show to go and see, I always love seeing shows especially at Christmas when everything is much more magical x
Absolutely Samantha, worth watching it
The prince and the pauper is one of my all time favourite stories . I’d love to go and see it at the theatre 🙂
How wonderful to hear that Kira
Sounds like a great Christmas show and something a little different from the usual Cinderella x
Exactly! And something which both the young and old can enjoy
It sounds like you had a great time watching the show. I’d love to see this with the kids – I’ve not seen this performed at the theatre before. Sounds like the set and props used were good which adds to the enjoyment.
It is the theatre in the round, so its lovely to see the actors from all angle with fab props
It sounds as if you had a great time. Panto is such fun, I’m actually in one at the moment! Mich X
Yes I did and so did my family
This sounds like a great show. I love the story of The Prince and the Pauper and this sounds wonderful for the whole family.
Agree, a show for everyone no matter the age
This sounds like a fantastic show, glad you both had a great time! This definitely sounds like something me and my son could enjoy together so I will check it out for sure.
Absolutely, something to get you in the mood for Christmas and all things festive
This panto looks amazing and I love a good panto and day out, especially at Christmas. The sets look so ornate and inviting.
It was just magnificent and we loved the production
It is always nice to go out and see a show. Looks like this could be a good watch x
Absolutely a stunning show! Worth watching it