Wrongsemble returns with innovative COVID-safe Christmas show for all the family

Family favourite theatre company Wrongsemble return this Christmas with HUMBUG: a COVID-safe family show that promises to delight and unite all ages. This innovative digital production will allow families to enjoy seven filmed episodes of this exciting story throughout December, accompanied by an interactive HUMBUG ‘Fact File’ filled with 13 artefacts sent directly to their homes.

HUMBUG takes place deep beneath the city, where a secret world full of wonder awaits; a place where wizards bake endless gingerbread, goblins bottle festive cheer, and there’s a whole department devoted to detangling fairy-lights! This is the Ministry of Make Believe…

But recently, strange things have been happening at the Ministry. From nose-less snowmen, to exploding baubles, and a forest of bald Christmas trees – things are not quite right… It’s almost like someone (or something) is trying to sabotage Christmas! Together with Secret Agent Dash, audiences will help to solve the mystery and save the day!

“Wrongsemble is the most exciting theatre company making theatre for families,” comments Alan Lane, Artistic Director of Slung Low.

Starring a stellar cast of northern actors, and supported by cultural partners across Leeds including Leeds Libraries, Child Friendly Leeds, Leeds City College, Slung Low, 100% Digital Leeds, and Red Ladder Theatre Company, HUMBUG promises to transport the joy of Wrongsemble’s annual Christmas production into the safety of hundreds of audiences’ homes. Audiences will be able to enjoy HUMBUG throughout December, and re-watch as many times as they like – sharing the experience with those they may be unable to meet in person.

Elvi Piper, Artistic Director, enthuses “It’s vital that within all the uncertainty of the current climate, we offer families something definite they can look forward to at this time of year.”

The show also promises to be one of the city’s most affordable and accessible seasonal treats for families in Leeds over the festive period. Heavily subsidised tickets – including free tickets for Looked-After Children, Carers, and Refugees and Asylum Seekers, along with integrated Access including Audio Description, Captioning, and an Episodic Narrative – will ensure an inclusive offer for communities across Leeds.

“Christmas is a time of year that often shapes a young person’s outlook on the arts, via their first experience of theatre,” notes Chemeana Lacey, Creative Producer at Wrongsemble. “We want to give each young person in Leeds the chance to enjoy high-quality theatre alongside every and any member of their family in the broadest sense – from grandparents to newborns, and everyone in-between. This year is no different – in fact, it feels more important now, than ever!”

Throughout the pandemic, Wrongsemble have kept their creative heart beating in a staunch commitment to continue serving the families of Leeds with high-quality, accessible theatre. From performing their production of Three, a mischievous musical adventure, on a flatbed truck in the car park of The Holbeck Working Men’s Club, to producing a brand-new version of Mike Kenny’s Rapunzel with tutti frutti at Shine in Harehills.

Their brand-new family musical ‘The Not So Ugly Sisters’, originally postponed due to Covid-19, will premiere from 18^th – 22^nd November at Leeds Playhouse, forming part of the theatre’s reopening season. Rounding off the year with HUMBUG, Wrongsemble will provide the city with a COVID-safe Christmas production that promises to keep all ages feeling festive throughout December – even in this, the most unusual of years.

Dates: 1^st – 31^st December 2020

Running time: 7 short films

Ticket prices: £10 for the whole family + a Fact File

Book online: www.wrongsemble.com/humbug

A £10 family ticket gives access to all 7 episodes of this online digital adventure throughout December, and is accompanied by an interactive HUMBUG Fact File filled with 13 artefacts sent directly to you.