Disclosure – We were invited to watch Father Christmas at Waterside Arts Centre for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are our own.
Father Christmas at Waterside Arts Centre in Sale is one of the most magical family Christmas theatre shows in the North West, and we were excited to see the classic Raymond Briggs story brought to life on stage. As a family we’re huge fans of Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman and The Snowman and the Snowdog. Raymond Briggs’ stories have such a special place in our hearts and are a huge part of our Christmas traditions. Although we have never seen Father Christmas before, the idea of seeing one of his beloved creations brought to life on stage was something we couldn’t resist. Stepping into the world of Father Christmas felt like the perfect start to the Christmas season.
A Charming Adaptation of a Beloved Story
The show tells the story of Father Christmas on Christmas Eve as he prepares for the most important night of his year. It stays beautifully true to Raymond Briggs’ original book, presenting him as a slightly grumpy, muttering, but completely endearing character whose “blooming Christmas!” attitude is as funny today as it was when the book first appeared on our shelves.
We meet Father Christmas as he wakes up to a cold winter morning, talking to his pets and easing himself into the day. The production shows him pottering around his cosy home, getting dressed, sorting through letters, organising presents and preparing his sleigh for the long night ahead. What makes this story so special is the balance of gentle humour and warm-hearted charm. Children in the audience were giggling at his fussing and muttering, while adults enjoyed the nostalgia and the affectionate nods to Briggs’ familiar illustrations.
The Cast
The performance is carried by a small but incredibly talented cast who bring Briggs’ world to life with real heart.
Marcus Hendry as Father Christmas
Marcus gives a wonderful performance as the famously grumpy yet lovable Father Christmas. His comic timing, expressive movement and gentle interaction with the children in the audience created a character who felt instantly recognisable and completely faithful to the original story.
Imogen Khan as the Puppeteer and On Stage Support
Imogen's work is effortless throughout from helping move the narrative forward with seamless scene changes, puppetry and supporting character interactions. She brings an extra layer of magic to the performance, especially in scenes involving the animals and the sleigh preparations.
Grace Liston as Musical Performer
Grace adds lovely atmospheric touches to the show, with simple musical elements and sound that help guide audiences through Father Christmas’s long Christmas Eve journey. Her role complements the action perfectly without ever distracting from the main story.
Don't Miss The Stage Adaptation of Father Christmas
Father Christmas is showing at Waterside Arts Centre, 1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, M33 7ZF.
The show runs throughout December with multiple daily showings each weekend and daily from 22nd December. The running time of 55 minutes is ideal for younger children, keeping their attention while still offering a rich and magical story experience.
A Cosy, Intimate Venue Perfect for Christmas Theatre
We were so impressed by the venue itself. Waterside Arts Centre is a brilliant place for family theatre, offering a friendly, approachable and wonderfully festive environment. The smaller theatre space creates a truly immersive experience as every seat feels close to the stage, allowing children to stay engaged and adults to fully enjoy the detail of the performance.
With a car park just a few minutes walk away and a bar area serving drinks and snacks, it's a lovely venue to visit.
The cosiness of the theatre added so much to this particular show. Father Christmas is a story grounded in homely warmth, gentle humour and festive wonder, and Waterside’s intimate setting brought all of that to life.
Our Experience - Absolutely Magical
We absolutely loved our first ever visit to the Waterside Arts Centre. Father Christmas is gentle, funny, beautifully staged and perfect for all ages. It captures everything we love about Raymond Briggs’ stories, the warmth, the charm and the humour.
Seeing Father Christmas on stage for the first time felt like stepping into one of the storybooks we’ve treasured for years. The cast were outstanding, the set was enchanting, and the whole experience felt like a wonderful way to begin our festive season.
If you're looking for a festive theatre experience in Greater Manchester this December, Father Christmas at Waterside Arts is the perfect family show to book. It’s a beautifully crafted production that left us smiling from start to finish.
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Michelle
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