Having already announced its main Christmas show for next year – Wendy and Peter Pan – Salford's Lowry has announced another.
The world premiere of Claus The Musical opens at The Lowry on December 14, 2022 until January 8, 2023, based on the L Frank Baum children’s story The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus.
The show, adapted by writer Simon Warne and composer Andy Collyer, is being produced by Aria Entertainment – the company behind Hope Mill Theatre's transfers and tours – and Eilene Davidson Productions.
Aria's Katy Lipson said “Claus is a special and important piece to me. It reminds me of my fondest memories of seeing a musical for the first time. In fact Andy Collyer's score inspired me to form Aria, so I could one day produce it. I'm thrilled to finally be bringing this beautiful story to the stage in my home town of Salford.”
Eilene Davidson added: " I can’t wait to thrill a new generation with this joyful family musical."
Not as familiar as Baum's The Wizard Of Oz, the Claus story finds the boy abandoned as a baby in the magical Forest of Burzee and raised by wood nymph Necile, who showers him with love and names him Claus. With help from the mystical inhabitants of the forest – Fairies, Knooks and Ryls – she teaches him that kindness is the most important thing of all – a gift Claus eventually shares as he takes Christmas to the world.
Tickets are already on sale here