The Snow Queen is the festive play from Reading Rep Theatre, and is currently being performed until New Year’s Eve.
The new production is by Anna Wheatley and based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale.
It is directed by the theatre’s founding artistic director Paul Stacey and follows the sell-out success of its last three Christmas seasons: A Christmas Carol, Potted Panto and It’s A Wonderful Life.
It is set during the picturesque mid-winters of Odense, Denmark. Which means it’s cold.
As a result, the frosty air nips at your nose and houses huddle so close together their rooftops kiss.
It is here that Kai and Gerda’s garden blooms amid tales spun by Kai’s sprightly grandma.
Read more: Pantomimes and festive plays in and around Reading this Christmas
But in the distant snowy wastelands, The Snow Queen reigns supreme.
When Kai suddenly and mysteriously disappears, Gerda must brave icy landscapes to find her best friend.
Join her in this exhilarating adventure as she wrestles with bandits, befriends reindeers and comes face-to-face with her greatest fears.
Destiny and friendship are put to the ultimate test in this enchanting tale of courage and determination.
Who is in The Snow Queen at Reading Rep Theatre?
The cast comprises Mark Desebrock (Hamlet at Almeida West End) as Kai, Prince and others, Niall Kiely (XPOSED at Southwark Playhouse) as Bae, Rok and others, Orla O’Sullivan (The War of the Worlds at Layered Reality) as Gerda and others, and Charlotte Warner (A Christmas Carol at Reading Rep Theatre) as Ragna, Princess Cybill, Lumi and others.
Mark, Orla and Charlotte are all returning having been part of the theatre’s first repertory company last winter in the theatre’s productions of Potted Panto and It’s A Wonderful Life.
The team say those attended will be able to immerse themselves in a festive world inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless folktale.
The show includes original music, vibrant characters and a flurry of Reading Rep magic, prepare to be captivated, whatever your age.
You may even learn some crow along the way.
What do Reading Rep say about the show?
Paul Stacey, founding artistic director of the theatre company and the show’s director, said: “A timeless classic that promises to enchant audiences of all ages and continues the cherished tradition of starting your Christmas at Reading Rep.
“We believe in the power of theatre to bring people together, and what better time to do so than during the festive season.
“This is a beloved intergenerational story that captures the imagination and reminds us of the importance of love, friendship, and the magic of the holidays.”
And Nick Thompson, the theatre’s executive director, said: “Our Christmas shows over the last three years have fast become a festive, family tradition.
“Grab your tickets while you can, we expect another sold out season.”
How do I get tickets?
The show is performed until New Year’s Eve – Tuesday, December 31.
There is a relaxed performance at 3.30pm on Saturday, December 14, for people who find the full theatre experience to be too much.
For people who have hearing impairments or are deaf, a British Sign Language interpreted show takes place on Wednesday, December 18.
The Kings Road-based theatre is planning additional accessible performances where possible.
Tickets cost £23 or £26, with discounts for seniors, disabled, students and under 16s. A 15% discount is available for bookings of four tickets, as long as two of them are for people aged 16 or under.
Full details are available, and how to book, are available on their website: www.readingrep.com
Get Cheeselogs in your inbox!
Sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest posts, news and surprises. It's completely free, and goes straight to your inbox.
