Preview: Theatre Space North East Presents: Little Red Riding Hood

A Festive Family Adventure Through the Deep, Dark Woods

Theatre Space North East Presents: Little Red Riding Hood

Theatre Space North East returns this December with an enchanting new production that asks a timeless question: what happens when curiosity leads you into the forbidden forest near Loveliton. Audiences across the North East will soon find out as the company brings Jamie Brown's fresh interpretation of Little Red Riding Hood to stages throughout the region.

Building on Success

Following the tremendous local reception of The Frog Prince earlier this year, Theatre Space has chosen another beloved fairy tale for their winter offering. This production continues the company's commitment to creating imaginative, accessible family theatre that resonates with audiences of all ages. The decision to tackle such a universally cherished story speaks to Theatre Space's confidence in their unique theatrical vision and their ability to breathe new life into classic narratives.

A Story Reimagined

While Little Red Riding Hood has been told countless times across generations and cultures, Theatre Space's version promises something special. This isn't simply a retelling—it's a reimagining that weaves together inventive puppetry, original musical numbers, sharp contemporary humour, and a distinctly seasonal flavour. The production celebrates the story's themes of curiosity, caution, and courage while ensuring that audiences leave both entertained and thoughtfully engaged.

Playwright Jamie Brown has approached the material with clear intention. "We always try to explore a moral message in our festive family shows," Brown explains. The production thoughtfully examines themes of social isolation and stranger danger—issues that remain remarkably relevant to modern families—while maintaining the sense of wonder and adventure that makes the original tale so enduring. And naturally, there's the irresistible theatrical opportunity to bring the Big Bad Wolf to life on stage, promising moments of delightful menace and playful scares.

Intimate Theatre, Maximum Impact

One of the most exciting aspects of this production is its scale. With a cast of just three actors, the show becomes an impressive showcase of theatrical versatility and talent. Creative Director Corinne Kilvington emphasizes the importance of this approach: "Using theatre as a space for imagination and music is incredibly important to us, and we know it resonates deeply with our audiences. With a cast of just three actors, the show really showcases their talent while keeping audiences fully engaged."

This intimate casting choice demands exceptional performers who can transform between characters, create entire worlds through suggestion and imagination, and maintain the energy and magic throughout the 70-minute runtime. It's theatre at its most essential and most powerful—where storytelling craft takes center stage.

Bringing Theatre to Communities

Theatre Space's touring model reflects a genuine commitment to accessibility and community engagement. Rather than expecting audiences to travel to a single venue, the production will visit eleven different locations across the North East between 12th and 23rd December. From libraries to community centres, from churches to their own theatre space, Little Red Riding Hood will meet audiences where they are.

The tour opens at Theatre Space's home base at 14a Borough Road in Sunderland on Friday, 12th December at 6pm, before embarking on an ambitious schedule that includes venues in Wallsend, Seghill, Easington Colliery, Washington, Houghton-le-Spring, South Hylton, and Ryhope. Some venues will host multiple performances, ensuring that families throughout the region have the opportunity to experience this festive production.

Accessible Pricing for All

In keeping with their inclusive ethos, Theatre Space has priced tickets to ensure that families can afford to attend without financial strain. Concession tickets start at just £5.50, while adult tickets are £7.50—a remarkably reasonable price point for professional theatre. This pricing structure reflects the company's belief that quality theatre should be accessible to everyone, regardless of economic circumstances.

Supported by Community Partners

The production has received backing from significant partners, including funding from the UK government, Sunderland City of Events, and Sunderland Council. This support has enabled Theatre Space to maximize their creative vision and production values, ensuring that audiences receive a fully realized theatrical experience. It's a testament to the cultural value that regional theatre brings to communities and the importance of investing in local arts organizations.

Why This Production Matters

In an era of digital entertainment and screen-based storytelling, Theatre Space's Little Red Riding Hood offers something increasingly precious: a shared, live experience where imagination takes flight. Kilvington's passion for the work is evident: "It's always a joy to tell a magical story through performance, especially within the creative industries. Children's tales are always a delight to bring to the stage."

There's something particularly meaningful about experiencing a fairy tale in the theatre. The presence of live performers, the immediacy of puppets moving before your eyes, the collective experience of an audience laughing, gasping, and wondering together—these elements create memories that last far beyond the final curtain call.

For children, it may be their first encounter with Little Red Riding Hood as a theatrical experience, or perhaps their introduction to live theatre itself. For adults, it offers the opportunity to revisit a childhood favourite through fresh eyes, to share that experience with younger family members, and to appreciate the artistry and craft that transforms a simple story into theatrical magic.

Perfect Festive Entertainment

Timing is everything, and a 70-minute production hitting stages throughout December provides the ideal festive outing for families. It's long enough to feel like a proper theatrical event but short enough to hold the attention of younger audience members. The seasonal twist promised in the production adds extra festive cheer, making it a perfect addition to the holiday calendar alongside tree lighting, carol services, and Christmas shopping trips.

Complete Performance Schedule

Friday 12th December - Theatre Space Northeast, Sunderland, 6pm
Saturday 13th December - Wallsend Library, Wallsend, 10.30am
Sunday 14th December - Seghill Community Centre, Seghill, 3pm
Monday 15th December - The Welcome Centre, Easington Colliery, 5pm
Thursday 18th December - Seventeen Nineteen, Sunderland, 6pm
Friday 19th December - Theatre Space Northeast, Sunderland, 6pm
Saturday 20th December - Washington Library, Washington, 12 noon
Saturday 20th December - Roker U.R. Church, Sunderland, 6pm
Monday 22nd December - Houghton Library, Houghton-le-Spring, 12 noon
Monday 22nd December - The Tansy Centre, South Hylton, 5pm
Tuesday 23rd December - St. Paul's Church, Ryhope, 1pm and 3.30pm

Booking Information

Tickets are available through Theatre Space's website at www.theatrespace.org.uk/shows/redriding2025. With performances scheduled throughout the day at various times—from morning shows perfect for younger children to evening performances that accommodate working families—there's an option to suit every schedule.

Given the success of The Frog Prince and the limited capacity of many of the touring venues, early booking is strongly recommended. The combination of affordable pricing, convenient locations, and Theatre Space's growing reputation for quality family theatre means that these performances are likely to be popular.

Final Thoughts

Theatre Space North East's Little Red Riding Hood promises to be more than just another holiday show. It's an opportunity to experience the power of live storytelling, to support regional theatre, to introduce children to the magic of performance, and to revisit a beloved tale with fresh eyes. Whether you're drawn by nostalgia for the classic story, curiosity about Theatre Space's innovative approach, or simply the desire for quality festive entertainment, this production invites you to follow the red hood into the woods and discover what theatrical magic awaits.

In a season often dominated by large-scale commercial productions, Little Red Riding Hood offers something more intimate, more accessible, and potentially more memorable—the kind of theatrical experience that reminds us why we gather together to hear stories in the first place.

Don't miss your chance to join Little Red on her journey through the deep, dark woods. Just remember—stay on the path, and watch out for wolves.