6 December – 12 January

Bristol Old Vic’s Little Red & Other Winter Tales is a festive delight, perfectly tailored for children aged 3–7 and their families. Directed by Lisa Gregan, with Florence Espeut-Nickless as Writer in the Room, the production re-imagines Little Red Riding Hood, The Red Shoes, and The Little Match Girl, offering fresh, modern interpretations while staying true to the spirit of the original tales. At just under an hour, it’s an ideal introduction to theatre, blending playfulness, poignancy, and a touch of magic.

The three performers—Sasha Frost, Guy Hughes, and Jenny Finn—carry the show with energy and charm. Frost shines as Little Red Riding Hood, presenting her as a resourceful and quick-thinking heroine who easily outsmarts the wolf. Hughes dazzles in The Red Shoes, using his physicality to embody the chaotic, irresistible pull of the shoes with both humour and tension. Finn brings quiet poignancy to The Little Match Girl, delivering the story’s bittersweet notes with care and sensitivity. Together, the trio’s seamless chemistry ensures smooth transitions between stories, and their commitment keeps the young audience enthralled. Florence Espeut-Nickless’s writing is perfectly pitched, finding moments of emotional depth while allowing children the space to connect with the stories on their own terms.

The Weston Studio’s staging is brought to life by Edwina Bridgeman’s handcrafted set. Intricate paper cut-outs of snowy landscapes and Bristol landmarks, including the Clifton Suspension Bridge, create an inviting world, while the circular seating arrangement brings performers and audience closer together, fostering an intimate and immersive atmosphere. The technical elements subtly elevate the production. Imogen Senter’s clever lighting design uses shadow to create moments of light peril—exciting rather than frightening—while maintaining the festive warmth that runs throughout and Jack Orozco Morrison’s sound design adds rhythm and depth.

The young audience was fully captivated, with each story engaging them in distinct ways. In Little Red Riding Hood, they laughed and cheered at the wolf’s antics, delighting in his bumbling menace. The Red Shoes brought a burst of energy, with playful 80s music drawing giggles from both children and parents. Finally, The Little Match Girl held the room in a hushed stillness, the shadow work adding a quiet poignancy that even the youngest viewers seemed to understand. One child in my company was so captivated by the show that he forgot about his ice cream—a rare feat for any family theatre production.

Little Red & Other Winter Tales is a masterclass in family theatre: inventive, heartfelt, and deeply accessible. Its balance of warmth, humour, and emotional honesty makes it a standout festive offering.

★★★★★  Tilly Marshall, 12 December 2024