The Snow Queen: A Woodland Adventure returns for a new festive season at ARC Stockton Arts Centre
Following a critically acclaimed run at the Albany, Deptford, Icon Theatre’s family production The Snow Queen: A Woodland Adventure returns this Christmas at ARC Stockton Arts Centre.
Written and directed by Icon Theatre’s Artistic Director Nancy Hirst, with original music by Eamonn O’Dwyer (The Lion Inside, Southbank Centre) and design by Laura McEwen (Well Done Mummy Penguin, the Albany; The Princess and the Pea, Unicorn Theatre), this interactive adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic winter tale features original songs, puppetry, dancing, games and audience participation.
Set in Bluebell Wood, the story follows Gerda, the littlest mouse, as she sets out to rescue her best friend Kai from the icy spell of the mysterious Snow Queen. Along the way, young audiences are invited to help Gerda discover her courage, kindness and the power of friendship.
Nancy Hirst, Artistic Director of Icon Theatre, said:
“We’re thrilled to be relaunching Icon’s touring offer with The Snow Queen: A Woodland Adventure and to be bringing the production to families at ARC Stockton Arts Centre. Icon is committed to widening access to theatre for early years audiences, and we’re delighted to be working with ARC to share this story with young children and their grown-ups this Christmas.”
Alexander Ferris, Chief Executive & Creative Director at ARC said:
“We can’t wait to welcome The Snow Queen: A Woodland Adventure to ARC this Christmas. It’s a magical, interactive show making it the perfect first theatre experience for young children and a wonderful festive treat for the whole family. We are thrilled to share this heartwarming adventure with audiences across the Tees Valley and beyond.”
Created for children aged 3+ and their grown-ups, The Snow Queen: A Woodland Adventure runs at ARC Stockton Arts Centre from 9–24 December 2025.
★★★★ “A perfectly child-centred, frosty adventure with friendship at its warm heart.” Everything Theatre
★★★★ “A charming family production, full of warm flow.” Salterton Arts Review
★★★★ “Writer and director Hirst’s script has just the right balance of silliness and sentiment,
audience interaction and, importantly, movement breaks to ensure any restless
youngsters can remain engaged.” Fairypowered Productions
★★★★ “A glowing winter treat for the very young and for anyone still young at heart.” Spy in the Stalls
Creative Team, Cast & Production Team
Writer and Director Nancy Hirst
Composer, Lyricist and Musical Director Eamonn O’Dwyer
Set and Costume Designer Laura McEwen
Movement Director Maria Ghoumrassi
Lighting Designer Callum Macdonald
Sound Designer Joseff Harris
Puppet Maker Eleanor Glover
Costume Maker Rosie Cannings
Cast – to be announced
Gerda the Mouse
Mum / Frost Fairy / Thieving Squirrel / Snow Queen
Kai / Babbling Brook / Crow
Production Manager Dave Sherman
