Families are in for a unique summer treat at Cumbria’s Upfront Gallery & Arts Venue.
The Emperor and the Nightingale is the retelling of a tale by Hans Christian Andersen and has become a firm favourite at the venue, near Hutton-in-the-Forest.
Audiences will get whisked away to another time in the beautiful and lyrical production, which features Chinese flute music by Yue Guo.
The traditional marionette performance has entertained generations – with those who came as youngsters now bringing their own children to see it.
The show is staged with traditional marionettes, changing scenery, lighting and special effects.
A nightingale sings and charms the Emperor, until a mechanical bird takes its place.
When the mechanical bird explodes, the real nightingale returns to sing on its own terms, free and able to come and go as it likes.
Upfront is home to one of only four puppet theatres in England.
Tables may be booked in the onsite cafe for lunch or tea and cakes afterwards. A special meal deal for children is available.
The show lasts about an hour-and-a-half, including an interval in the middle.
After the show, audience members can ask questions and meet the puppets and puppeteers and take photographs. The session is included in the ticket.
The performance is suitable for ages four to 94.
Performances begin at 2pm on August 15, August 16, August 20, August 22, August 27, August 29 and August 30.
Tickets: Children £8.50, Adults £10, Family £32 (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adults & 3 children).
