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So Christmas is nearly here, our elf is up to mischief and so are the children, so what better way to get ready than a festive trip to the theatre?

Last night, 20th December, we were lucky enough to be invited to The Met in Bury; a grade II listed building which always surprises me with its beauty, a mix of old and new following it’s £4.6million refurbishment in 2016.

Tonight was particularly special because it was an evening performance, when little ones were encouraged to dress in pyjamas and take in some warm drinks and cookies before the performance. My two were enchanted by the idea and with school coming to a close, a slightly later bedtime wasn’t an issue.

Little Blue Monsters Productions of this beautiful story was as wonderful and heart-warming as I had hoped. Lilly, a brave little girl who lives with her Grandpa eagerly awaits Christmas, just two days away. Her grandpa, who is preparing an extra special present, warns of the deep dark woods, but Lily’s bravery and loyalty to her new friend leads her there in a magical tale of glistening snow and puppetry.

My youngest, 5, was enchanted by the snow bear, saying he was her favourite and loving the opportunity to meet and stroke him at the end. My son, who is 8 asked half way through, is this like a pantomime? I asked cautiously afterwards what he had thought as he never really like the panto until this year and was one of those clinging to my knees in fright! In fact apparently yes it was a bit like the panto, but better, for the following reasons…

Its’ music made you emotional; happy and sad and a bit scared in places
The scenery stayed still and the story went around it
The people were funny and good at singing
There wasn’t ‘one of those breaks’ in the middle (interval.) In fact the running time is 55 minutes which was perfect.

Personally, I felt the stand out moments came through the interaction with the audience. The little boy in front of us belly laughed from the beginning and at certain points when children called out, the actress addressed them directly, making them all feel like a real part of the story.

Finally, as music is my sons newest interest, we stopped off at the back to meet the two talented men who were in charge of ‘the buttons.’ The family feel thought out the whole experience was one that was very much welcomed and left a warm glow ready for Christmas.

In response to demand the following performances have been added to the bill at the Met, so if you can, join them for a festive treat.

https://themet.org.uk/event/lily-snow-bear/

SAT 22ND DEC 2018 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM
SUN 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM
MON 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM
Derby Hall
Adults £13.50 / children £11.50 on 23 & 24 December — adults £11.50 / children £9.50 other performances