Chris Bush Weaves Christmas Magic
Chris Bush, Olivier Award winner for Standing at the Sky’s Edge, is writing a new adaptation of the classic Robin Hood, especially for the festive season.
The first mince pie of the season. Homemade decorations covered in sequins and glitter. The ever-present promise of snow – these are some of the first signs that Christmas isn’t too far away. As a (supposed) adult, any cheerful anticipation of the holiday season can often be overshadowed by logistical anxieties, but as a child it was never anything short of magic.
"I love the tradition and ritual of a Christmas show"
Theatre has always formed a big part of my Christmases too. In fact, the ‘Christmas show’ is something of a Holy Grail for me as both a writer and an audience member. Whether it’s a mega-budget musical spectacular or a cosy, intimate, story-telling affair, these are the performances that stick with us.
Theatre has always formed a big part of my Christmases too. In fact, the ‘Christmas show’ is something of a Holy Grail for me as both a writer and an audience member. Whether it’s a mega-budget musical spectacular or a cosy, intimate, story-telling affair, these are the performances that stick with us.
The days grow shorter, the nights draw in, and so we do the most human thing in the world – we find somewhere light and warm, and we gather together to tell each other stories.
Christmas, as we all know, isn’t about the gifts we receive, but the people we spend time with. By the same token, theatre isn’t so much about show-stopping special effects, but moments of human connection.
"The community, especially
young people, is at the heart of
everything here"
I love the tradition and ritual of a Christmas show. Families, friends, and loved ones come year after year to make memories together. Hopefully, in some cases, they kickstart a love of the art form that will last a lifetime.
Specifically, I love how the Rose does Christmas.
I love that the community, especially young people, is at the heart of everything here. I love the warm embrace of the auditorium. It’s a great privilege to be bringing Robin Hood and the Christmas Heist to Kingston this year, and I hope you can join us for it.
Photo by Chris Saunders
First published in August 2024
ROBIN HOOD AND THE CHRISTMAS HEIST
As winter’s first snow falls, there’s little Christmas cheer in Sherwood. Cupboards are bare, the nights are cold,
and the cruel Sheriff of Nottingham squeezes his citizens for every penny they’re worth. But deep in The forest, in the heart of the Major Oak, legendary outlaw Robin Hood plots an audacious scheme to bring some festive joy to all.
Robin Hood and the Christmas Heist played at Rose Theatre from 30 November 2024 to 5 Jannuary 2025
