Santa’s first visit to Shakespeare home
FATHER Christmas will be making his first visit to Hall’s Croft in Stratford-upon-Avon this weekend.
Children will be able to meet him at the home of William Shakespeare’s daughter, Susanna Hall, and her husband, Dr John Hall whom she married in 1607, on 16th and 17th December.
Anais Vanian-Cooper, Hall’s Croft manager, said: “Although Father Christmas is very busy at this time of year, we’re delighted he’s agreed to visit us at the elegant Jacobean home of Shakespeare’s daughter, Susanna.
“Children will be able to meet him, and all the good little boys and girls will receive a special gift.
“There will also be some delicious gingerbread men for them to decorate and take home.”
Tickets cost £8 for children, adults go free.
The event is one of a number of festive goings-on at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust properties.
From 13th to 17th December, Midwinter Magic Dance-Circus Spectacular will take audiences on an intriguing journey through the contemporary gardens of Shakespeare’s New Place.
Performers from award-winning dance-circus company, Motionhouse, will bring New Place to life through a series of exciting dance and acrobatics inspired by timeless themes of Shakespeare’s work.
There will be two shows on each evening — at 5.30pm and 7.30pm — with each lasting approximately an hour.
Tickets cost £10 for adults, £7 for children/concessions. Spaces are limited so early booking is advisable.
Other festive activities taking place across the Shakespeare Family Homes are: After Hours — Tudor Christmas, also at Hall’s Croft on 16th December, from 5.30pm to 6.30pm, tickets £8 per person, while on 15th, 22nd and 29th December, and on 5th January, from 12pm to 4pm, there will be Tudor music performances by Peas Pottage group.
Christmas Critters with Zoolab Tudor Storytelling Workshop at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Henley Street, Stratford, on 21st December, at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3.30pm.
The Birthplace will also host a Christmas Wassail Tour from 16th to 24th December, 12pm to 4pm.
For tickets to all these events, see www.shakespeare.org.uk
