My pregnancy yoga mum pals and I have been taking in the Lemon Tree’s festive show since our babies first arrived, and it’s become a lovely annual Christmas tradition for our families. We all know about the fantastic pantomimes in the city, but I find people often aren’t aware of the festive offering from Lemon Tree – targeted to young audiences with a simple story in a smaller theatre and with a shorter run time more manageable for little ones.
Playful snowy scenes from A Land Beyond Winter’s festive adventure. Image by Aberdeen Performing Arts.
This year’s show is a new commission by Aberdeen Performing Arts (alongside Capital Theatres and Eden Court Highland), called A Land Beyond Winter. After gathering our group in the waiting space, which features themed colouring-in sheets and sensory textiles to explore, we were welcomed by friendly staff and entered the intimate theatre space to make ourselves comfortable.
The story begins in a winter wonderland of ice with the characters anxiously waiting for the first snow to arrive. The two performers immediately engaged the young audience, seated on comfy cushions just inches from the stage, with lots of direct eye contact and expressive faces. Our protagonists then set off on a fantastic adventure through many magical places, brought to life beautifully through creative tactile props, costumes and set design. The two soon discover that only by working together will they make it through these mysterious lands.
I don’t want to spoil the story too much but locations include a ‘tight for space’ ice tunnel (which got many giggles from the audience), a deep-sea nirvana with interesting watery characters and an exciting tropical jungle which contrasted perfectly with the chilly beginning of the show. The soothing music throughout helped guide us through the story as there was very little dialog, with the story told through the actor movements and gestures instead. As their adventure draws to a close, the characters return home and let’s just say their winter wish comes true with lots of “oohs” and “aahs” from the audience as the ‘white stuff’ floats from the sky.
Serving as a lovely introduction to dance and theatre for a younger audience, the show left us all feeling festive and cosy as we headed back out into the fresh air.
A magical winter moment from A Land Beyond Winter at the Lemon Tree. Image by Aberdeen Performing Arts.
As usual, we followed our theatre experience with a trip to Aberdeen Christmas Village with the kids loving every single second! My 3-year-old also insisted on an ice cream from Mackies 19.2 – maybe not the most appropriate snack for a chilly winter afternoon, but she very much enjoyed it none the less! Suitably exhausted from the rides, we wandered up Union Street to Amarone Aberdeen for an early dinner. The restaurant is always gorgeous, but particularly at Christmas time with glittering decorations adorning the windows, bar and balconies. The food was delicious and the service from the smiley staff was excellent for our slightly disordered group of 16. We headed home with full tummies and happy memories for another year.
Running through to Wednesday December 24, A Land Beyond Winter is a soothing, beautifully crafted festive show - the perfect escape from the hustle of the Christmas season.
Book your tickets today at Aberdeen Performing Arts website.
Review by Kate Timperley
A Seasonal Day Out in Aberdeen City!
