THIS IS LONDON NOVEMBER EDITION 2025 - Flipbook - Page 21
When she and her faithful dog
Breakspear set off on a quiet bike ride to
visit cousin Angela, she can’t stop
thinking of ways to improve her bike.
But after adding horns, snack trays,
umbrellas, a dog bed, even a sail, will
she ever get there?
Samantha Lane said: ‘I’m absolutely
thrilled to be adapting and directing Mrs
Armitage on Wheels for the stage. It’s
such a joyful, imaginative story - full of
heart, humour, and the boundless
possibilities of creativity. Mrs Armitage’s
world is wonderfully eccentric yet deeply
human, and I can’t wait to bring her
spirit of inventiveness and togetherness
to life in a production that celebrates her
generosity, resilience, and sheer love of
making marvellous things.’
Photo: Herbie Knott
21
THE SNOWMAN RETURNS TO THE
PEACOCK FOR 28th YEAR
Birmingham Rep is to present its
family Christmas classic The Snowman
for the 28th year at Sadler’s Wells’ home
in the West End, the Peacock Theatre,
with a six-week run from Saturday
until Sunday 4 January. A magical stage
adaptation of the much-loved picture
book by Raymond Briggs and the film
directed by Dianne Jackson, The
Snowman is an annual fixture in the
West End during London’s festive period.
The dance show which features the
iconic music and lyrics by Howard Blake,
including ‘Walking in the Air’, all played
by a live orchestra, is choreographed by
Robert North, directed by Bill Alexander
and designed by Ruari Murchison, with
lighting by Tim Mitchell. This year marks
the 40th anniversary of the classic Aled
Jones recording, making the
performance a special celebration of the
beloved music.
This production for all the family
follows the story of a young boy’s
adventures when his snowman and new
friend comes to life on Christmas Eve.
They go on a magical adventure to the
North Pole where they meet all sorts of
characters including dancing penguins,
a snow princess and Father Christmas
himself. The Snowman is also a
remarkable introduction to dance for
children.
This year’s production sees young
performer Teddy Holton-Frances return
to share the lead role as The Boy. Teddy
was featured in last year’s documentary,
The Snowman and Me, which followed
his journey alongside another young
performer Phoenix Beharry, from
audition to opening night.
www.sadlerswells.com
T H I S I S L O N D O N M A G A Z I N E • T H I S I S L O N D O N O N L I N E • w w w. t i l . c o m • @ t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g
Photo: Tristram Kenton
QUENTIN BLAKE’S MRS ARMITAGE
ON WHEELS PREMIERE
Quentin Blake’s Mrs Armitage on
Wheels is being adapted for the
stage and will premiere at the Southbank
Centre as part of their Imagine festival
with performances running from
18 to 21 February. Directed and adapted
by Samantha Lane, artistic director of
the award-winning Little Angel Theatre,
this brand-new musical adaptation of
the award-winning BBC animated
series Quentin Blake’s Box Of
Treasures features a treasure trove of
clever puppetry and original live music.
Celebrating the power of imagination
and the importance of community,
Mrs Armitage is a brilliant and eccentric
inventor whose wild and wonderful
creations are always remarkably useful.
