Children in hospitals across the country have experienced the magic of Christmas this week thanks to a livestreamed performance of The Elves and The Shoemaker from the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, sponsored by Rathbones.
The Elves and the Shoemaker is a beautiful family-friendly Christmas production, using storytelling, songs, and puppetry to tell the classic tale, which is performed by Black Hound Productions. The show is currently playing at the Everyman Theatre’s intimate Irving Studio Theatre and has been sponsored by Dean Close Airthrie School.
The livestream initiative, a beloved Everyman Theatre tradition, brings joy to young patients and their families who may not be well enough to attend the theatre in person this Christmas, and instead brings the theatre to them in hospital wards and care homes across Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Swindon, Birmingham, and Leeds.
To make the experience even more special, the theatre’s very own knitting group, Casting On, hand-crafted over 100 knitted elves in various colours and sizes. These cuddly companions have been gifted to the children enjoying the livestream, offering them a festive keepsake to treasure.
Adding to the festive spirit, pupils from Dean Close Airthrie School have wrapped additional Christmas gifts to accompany the elves. Together with the Everyman’s team of ‘theatre elves,’ the gifts have been carefully packed and delivered to the participating hospitals and care homes.
This year’s livestream, sponsored by Rathbones, was broadcast to hospitals including Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Hereford County Hospital, Great Western Hospital in Swindon, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Leeds Children’s Hospital.
Care homes such as Wentworth Court Dementia Care Home and Kimbrose Club in Gloucester also enjoyed the livestream, ensuring patients of all ages could join in the Christmas magic.
Francesca Goddard, Corporate Partnership Manager at the Everyman Theatre said, “The festive season is all about spreading joy, and this initiative allows us to bring smiles to children and patients who may be going through a difficult time. We’re incredibly proud of the way our theatre community has come together to make this happen, from our wonderful knitting group to the pupils at Dean Close Airthrie School, and our livestream sponsor, Rathbones.”
Tristan George, of Rathbones Cheltenham office, said: “We are pleased to sponsor the livestreaming of ‘The Elves and The Shoemaker’ from the Everyman Theatre into children’s hospitals. This initiative allows us to spread joy by bringing cheerful experiences to those who need them most, and we are delighted to be part of this heartwarming project.“
The Everyman Theatre is delighted to continue this heartwarming tradition and thanks Rathbones, Dean Close Airthrie School, Black Hound Productions and the Casting On knitting group for their generous support.
