Follow the festive adventures of Rosie the Owl in The Owl Who Came For Christmas - a warm, wintry story in which a family find an unexpected visitor hidden in the branches of their Christmas tree! Showing at Birmingham’s Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) and aimed at children aged three-plus, the production features singing, dancing, puppetry, and a great big helping of Christmas cheer.

What’s On spoke to the show’s director, Ellie Hurt, to find out more...

A charming, Christmassy story lands at Birmingham’s Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) this month, in a flurry of snow-covered feathers.

The Owl Who Came For Christmas, adapted by Chandni Mistry from the book by John Hay & Garry Parson, tells the story of Rosie the Owl, who finds herself unexpectedly nestled in the branches of a family’s Christmas tree as they prepare for their festivities.

First developed by Norwell Lapley Productions and Leicester Curve, the show features puppets, catchy songs, dancing, and more than a sprinkling of festive cheer. It’s being directed by Ellie Hurt.

“We follow the story from Rosie the Owl’s perspective,” explains Ellie. “You meet all Rosie’s friends in the forest first, and some really funny characters along the way. We did the show last year - it did a UK tour - so I know the play very well. We’re getting a new cast this time around, which is exciting. It’s always nice having a new cast, because you get to rediscover it. My role is making sure that the story is really clear, and bringing all the elements together.”

In the play’s latest incarnation, the brand-new cast are all Midlands actors - avoiding reliance on London-centric casting is something which Ellie, who hails from Derby, is passionate about. And although there are lots of different characters on stage, the cast is composed of just four actors, who all sing, dance, and operate the puppets.

“It’s a real ensemble feel. You get to see people do their best work when you watch a show like this, because they’re putting on lots of different hats whilst remaining true to the story, the show and the script.”
The music, composed by Jude Taylor with musical direction by Jessica Dives, promises to expand the story of the play’s various characters.

“There are brilliant harmonies and lots of character-driven songs. The animals in the forest have their own musical number, and then you hear from Lily, a 10-year-old obsessed with owls - we hear a song about owls sung by her. We also get a fun song called Chop It, Pack It, which the Christmas tree sales people sing as they’re working… Hopefully we can get people to join in! A Christmassy vibe is also sprinkled on there - you can’t do this show without a bit of Christmas sprinkled on top!”

And that festive feeling is helped along by the show’s design - turning the theatre into a wintry wonderland.
“It’s quite natural and earthy - we have a bit of an environmental theme. The set is made up of a lot of Christmas trees, so we feel like we’re in a forest. We’ve got an amazing moon at the back that’s really big. The set design is really cool and transforms the space.”

The production is recommended for children aged three-plus, but Ellie explains that there are plenty of moments aimed at the older siblings or adults in the audience as well: “It’s a lovely, vibrant show, with lots happening and really interesting characters to meet along the way. There’s an environmental message. It’s a chance to open up some conversations with youngsters - Rosie’s home gets cut down, she’s in the tree that gets transported to the home. The show’s got a happy ending and it’s all charming and lovely, but it might be a nice opportunity to help talk to children about nature, conservation and animal habitats.”

Rosie herself is naturally the star of the show. She appeared at the auditions in multiple puppet incarnations: “There’s just something about [the puppets] that instills this childlikeness in you. Even if you’re an adult, you still really appreciate it. I find them quite moving. And Rosie does a lot - you can move her mouth and you can move her eyes. There’s quite a lot of freedom to be had with her, and you can definitely feel her personality coming out when people are operating her.”

Fans of Rosie - or of owls in general, like Lily in the story - will be pleased to learn that there will be a chance to meet the puppets up close and interact with them.

“There might be some surprises along the way. She might appear from different places within the venue! The puppets are so inviting - quite mesmerising, actually, when you watch them operate. You get lost in them a little bit; it’s a nice way into the story. And within the first two minutes, you forget that Rosie’s a puppet. It’s a credit to the puppet makers, but also the actors who operate them and really make you believe that you’re with Rosie on this adventure. And Rosie also gets an amazing final number in the show, where everybody joins in - it’s really soulful and fun. A gorgeous ending to the story.”

The Owl Who Came For Christmas shows at Birmingham’s Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) from Monday 1 to Sunday 28 December

By Jessica Clixby