"'TWAS THE night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there..."
So opens Clement Clarke Moore's much-loved poem, 'A Visit From St Nicholas', which is the basis for Branar Téatar do Pháistí's acclaimed bi-lingual family show, ’Twas The Night Before Christmas', which it is bringing back to the Town Hall Theatre on Thursday December 19 (10am and 12 noon ), Friday 20 (7pm ), and Saturday 21 (1pm ).
Featuring storytelling, live music, puppetry, and comedy, it tells the story of a town preparing for a very special Christmas. Houses are being decorated, cards are being written, presents are being wrapped, stockings are being hung, and age old traditions meet hopes for the future.
"We try to capture the essence of Moore's poem," said the play's director Marc MacLochlainn. "The magic and anticipation of waiting for Christmas morning. This will be the citizens of Baile Beag's first Christmas with electricity and it's as special as they think it will be.”
Previous productions have met with critical praise. The Irish Times called it an "exquisite show for children", while Irish Theatre Magazine called it an "enchanting play” which "magically conveys a true sense of Christmas".
The show is suitable for ages five and up and for all levels of English and Irish. The cast is Miquel Barceló, Michael Chang, Ionia Ní Chróinín, Helen Gregg, and Grace Kiely. Tickets are available from the Town Hall (091 - 569777, www.tht.ie ).
