My five-year-old son and I took a trip backstage and into the heart of the Theatre Royal for their Christmas show this year.
We joined Nellie Limelight, played by the engaging Florence Leon, on her crime-fighting exploits to help crack the case of Ollie Oyster and the lost pearl as well as solving a few other mysteries along the way.
The walkabout performance had the audience being led by actors and puppets, up and down hidden stairwells and through spaces filled with beautifully detailed installations.
We met with a whole array of characters including a fairy, a grand dame with a penchant for all things shiny and her harried brother, time traveller Bert, all played by Karl Williams with the perfect mix of fun and silliness.
Nellie Limelight and the Oysters of Time is a gentle show, filled with a lot of hilarity, perfect for the under sixes, and with a lot of audience participation.
There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned happy ending – especially at Christmas – and this hug-filled conclusion didn’t disappoint.
The whole experience lasts for around 50 minutes and my son was completely captivated throughout.
All in all a lovely introduction to the theatre and a very merry start to Christmas.
Tickets cost from £12 to £14.50 (no booking fees).
Nellie Limelight and the Oysters of Time is at the Theatre Royal in Brighton until Wednesday 2 January 2019.
For more information or to book tickets, visit www.atgtickets.com/brighton or call the box office on 0844 871 7650.
Theatre Royal, New Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1SD.
