By Conor O’Neill
Belfast’s Lyric Theatre has announced The Snow Queen as its main box-office draw for Christmas 2022. Running from November 25 to December 31, audiences will follow Gerda (Calla Hughes) in this adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s tale of courage, adventure and friendship.
Written by Paul Boyd, the musical centres around Gerda as she works in her grandmother’s (Christina Nelson) busy flower-shop in the centre of town, where, for as long as she can remember, the roses are delivered by one of the town’s young men, Kai (Ben McGarvey). One night an unexpected cold wind blows across the land and the windows of town begin to freeze over.
Grandmother fears the worst – The Snow Queen (Ruby Campbell) has returned. When Kai goes missing Gerda sets off to find him. In search of a palace that sits amongst the snowy, frozen peaks of Finnmark, Gerda meets some colourful characters including Oakie (Chrsitopher Finn), Captain Crow (Darren Franklin) and The Prince (Aaron Halliwell).
*In rehearsals, from left to right – Calla Hughes, Ruby Campbell and Ben McGarvey*
This year’s final show features a range of talents including Ruby Campbell, fresh from her award-winning co-production of Translations at The Abbey Theatre and Darren Franklin fresh from his role in Conor Mitchell’s Propaganda: A New Musical.
The Lyric’s executive producer Jimmy Fay said: “Join us for what is guaranteed to be a spectacular Christmas production of The Snow Queen.”
*Christina Nelson and Calla Hughes in rehearsals*
Tickets are on sale now and start at £12. The Snow Queen runs from November 25 to December 31, 2022. To book simply visit http://www.lyrictheatre.co.uk or phone the box office on 02890 381081
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