REVIEW - RAYMOND BRIGG'S FATHER CHRISTMAS | WATERSIDE ARTS, SALE | 05/12/2025

Raymond Briggs' Father Christmas at Waterside Arts – A Heartwarming Start to Our Christmas

We were really excited to start our festive season with Raymond Briggs' Father Christma s at Waterside Arts. Alice (8) and Leo (6) were especially looking forward to it because we saw Pins & Needles’ adaptation of The Bear here last Christmas and they absolutely loved it. With another Raymond Briggs story on stage and the cosy feel of the Robert Bolt Theatre, it felt like the perfect way to begin December together.

The show follows Father Christmas as he gets ready for his big Christmas Eve journey, and it’s told in such a gentle, charming way that children stay completely engaged from the very beginning.

When the lights first came up and we saw a man in his pyjamas pottering around his little kitchen, Alice and Leo didn’t realise who he was at first. They just found him funny and a bit grumpy, which they loved. But when he headed outside to feed the reindeer, I could see the moment things started to click.

Then came the big reveal — the classic red suit. As soon as he pulled it on, both children gasped out loud, absolutely delighted to realise they were really watching Father Christmas on stage.

From there, the show is full of lovely little moments. Leo couldn’t stop laughing at the hen proudly providing breakfast eggs, and he adored the reindeer every time they appeared. Alice instantly fell in love with the cat and dog puppets, and one of her favourite parts of the whole evening was Father Christmas getting himself completely stuck in the chimney.

But the highlight for all of us was the sleigh scene.The fog rolled in, the lighting changed, the reindeer stepped forward and snow began to fall across the stage. You could hear the whole theatre gasp in amazement at the same time — it was such a magical moment. Both children were absolutely mesmerised. It really did feel like Christmas had arrived.

The set works beautifully in the intimate Robert Bolt Theatre. It feels like stepping straight into Father Christmas’s home — complete with a cosy kitchen, a stable-style door for the reindeer, his warm bedroom and snowy rooftops stretching into the distance. Small, clever changes shift us from one place to another without ever breaking the flow.

The puppetry is a real standout. Imogen Khan brings so much personality to every puppet, whether it’s the cheeky dog, the curious cat, the lively hen or the gentle reindeer. Alice and Leo completely forgot they were watching puppets — they felt like real characters on stage.

Another touch the children really loved was the use of shadows. At a few key moments, a soft screen popped up and we watched Father Christmas appear as a silhouette — quietly filling stockings, placing presents under the tree and tiptoeing around so he didn’t wake anyone up. It felt like peeking into a secret Christmas Eve moment, and both Alice and Leo were completely fascinated. It added a really magical, storybook feel to the whole performance.

The lighting adds so much atmosphere, especially during the chimney moment and the sleigh flight. Warm, homely tones contrast beautifully with the cool winter skies, and the use of fog and falling snow creates a truly magical Christmas Eve feeling.

High up on stage sits Grace Liston, who creates all the sound effects live. Watching her work is genuinely fascinating. Every crackle, jingle, splash and clatter is performed right in front of the audience, and her timing is perfect. It adds such a fun, playful touch to the whole show, and the children couldn’t stop looking up at her between scenes.

Marcus Hendry is a brilliant Father Christmas — warm, grumpy, funny and completely believable as Briggs’ iconic character. He had the children laughing constantly, and he brought just the right mix of charm and humour to the role.

Imogen Khan and Grace Liston complete the small but incredibly talented cast. Together, they create a world that feels full, lively and wonderfully imaginative.

The direction by Emma Earle, along with the design by Zoe Squire, puppet design by Max Humphries, music by Lucy Rivers, lighting by George Ogilvie and dramaturgy by Adam Peck, all come together perfectly to create a festive experience full of heart.

Father Christmas at Waterside Arts is exactly what a family Christmas show should be — warm, funny, magical and full of charm. Alice and Leo adored every second, and seeing their faces light up made the evening even more special.

At just 55 minutes, it’s perfect for younger theatre-goers, and it’s a lovely nostalgic treat for grown-ups too. If you’re looking for something festive, gentle and full of wonder this Christmas, this show is a beautiful choice

A sparkling sleigh-ride of festive magic from start to finish.

Father Christmas is at Waterside Arts until Saturday, 27th December 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.

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For more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the official website.

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Photo Credit - Genevieve Girling

*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.