Children in hospital will be able to experience a live-streamed performance of the much-loved family adventure show Stick Man this Christmas, direct from Salford's Lowry theatre stage.
On December 19 Stick Man will be streamed to children at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, including their sites on Oxford Road, North Manchester General Hospital, Trafford General Hospital and Wythenshawe Hospital, and on December 20 performances will be streamed to Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust in Liverpool.
Additionally, the Lowry will be supporting children receiving treatment as outpatients of The Christie, Manchester and their families to see a show at the theatre in early January. This is the third Christmas the theatre has streamed a show for children spending the festive season receiving treatment.
Julia Birchall-Searle, director of nursing and health professionals at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, said: "Our incredible youth and play service teams work hard, decorating the youth zone areas - where the children can watch the show - to create a fun atmosphere. Thanks to everyone who helped to organise the live stream. Our patients and families are very grateful".
The event is the result of a partnership between the Lowry and Freckle Productions, whose award-winning production of Stick Man is at the Lowry from December 10-January 5. It's based on the book by Julia Donaldson and features puppetry, songs and live music.
Jennifer Sutherland, who is executive producer at Freckle, said: “Stick Man is a beloved family show that brings warmth to families in theatres each year. We hope it will do the same for children in hospitals, who are not able to come and see the show live"
To help make the experience special, members of the Lowry's staff, and artists, will work with specialists at the Royal Manchester and Alder Hey. All the children will receive a specially-produced ticket and show programme as a memento.
Jenny Riding, who is director of learning at the Lowry said: “We’ve seen what enjoyment our livestreams have brought to children and families receiving treatment in hospital at Christmas and we’re grateful to the whole team at Freckle Productions. We’re excited to be working with the region’s two largest children’s hospitals.”
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