We took Poppy’s 13 month old nephew for his first visit to the theatre to see Aliens Love Panta Claus and he watched the whole production in wonderment.
Based on the book by Clare Freedman and Ben Cort, adapted by Chandni Mistry and directed by Julia Thomas, Aliens Love Panta Claus is a great way to introduce your little one to the theatre.
With a small, dynamic cast of five who play various roles, this Made At Curve production is fast moving and keeps the youngest of audience members entertained (recommended age 3+). With a heartfelt message at its core, it shows that Christmas doesn’t have to mean giving the best gadget or most expensive present – a gift given with love will always be more meaningful.
The story follows aliens Kneel, Walter Nelom, Juan, Snozza and Rosy Posy, all operated by the five actors who are also talented puppeteers. The elves in Santa’s workshop – aptly named Elf (Yasmin Parekh) and Safety (Mia Shelbourne) – have a strict no pants rule when it comes to present choices for the children on Santa’s list.
But the aliens have other ideas and the workshop is never the same again after they decide to add underpants to the children’s Christmas presents. The elves realise just what fun pants can be, and the aliens help Santa when his sleigh breaks down.
Our little theatre novice’s favourite bits included the fluorescent scenes, and dancing along to the Reindeer Rave with lyrics including “Gotta groove, Gotta move, Gotta dance, Gotta go and gift these pants!”. He also got very excited about the dog puppet in the show and was woofing back at him each time he appeared on stage.
Each one of the five actors – Benedict Hastings, Joshua Coley, Callum Concepcion and the aforementioned Mia Shelbourne and Yasmin Parekh – work seamlessly together with the end result being a brilliant piece of escapism for little ones on the run up to Christmas.
It’s super silly festive fun, and as the show’s lyrics in the song Give, Give, Give say – this production “make[s] the Christmas magic come alive!”.
★★★★
All performances from Friday December 5 are relaxed.
Running time: Approximately 56 minutes (no interval)
Tickets £10-£18
