From the creators of the 2025 sell-out production of Tortoise and the Hare, Derby Theatre, Hiccup Theatre and Polka Theatre present a perfect treat for ages 3+ and their families, from Saturday 5 December 2026 to Saturday 9 January 2027, with all performances including integrated BSL, creative captions and integrated audio description.
We are proud to announce the cast and creatives. The Owl and the Pussycat cast are Stephen Collins (A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist for Leeds Playhouse, Deaf Awakening for D-Live! Theatre, Doctors for BBC); Laura Goulden (Robin Hood and the Major Oak for Derby Theatre, Tortoise and the Hare, Chicken Licken for Derby /Hiccup/Polka Theatre. Integrated/ interpreted credits include King Arthur for La Navet Bete, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt for Kenny Wax, and Mavra/Pierrot Lunaire for Royal Opera House); Emily Howlett (Robin Hood and the Major Oak for Derby Theatre, Tortoise and the Hare for Derby/Hiccup/Polka Theatre, Inside No. 9 for BBC, Deaf, Profoundly for BSFTV); Anna Lilley (The Comedy of Errors UK Tour, The 39 Steps for The Shakespeare Circus, Alice by Heart for Rose Bruford College); Georgia Raymond (CODA, Elf of the Shelf, Friend’s Christmas, Daaaarling for Blether Street Ltdv Tortoise and the Hare for Polka Theatre); and Ivan Stott (The Wind in the Willows, Little Red Riding Hood, The Jungle Book, Hansel and Gretel, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Welfare, for Derby Theatre, Chicken Licken, Three Billy Goats Gruff, Tortoise and the Hare for Derby Theatre/Hiccup/ Polka Theatre, Whiter than Snow for Graeae).
The creative team for The Owl and the Pussycat includes: Sarah Brigham (Writer and Director); John Barber (Puppetry); Rachana Jadhav (Set Design); Tim Heywood (Costume Design); Jessica Brigham (Lighting Design); Ivan Stott (Composer/Sound Design); Ben Glover (Creative Captions); Benjamin Wilson (Audio Description Consultant); Donna Mullings (BSL Consultant); and Stacey McCarthy (Movement Director).
Christmas promises more family fun with The Owl and the Pussycat, as the lovable pair set sail on a nonsense adventure across the high seas with nothing but some honey, some money and a runcible spoon. Along the way they encounter the curious Piggy Wig, a hilltop Turkey and even the strangest looking tree you’ve ever seen, but can they find their way through this topsy-turvy world? Packed with silly songs, babbling puppets and delightfully absurd characters, this playful adaptation brings Edward Lear’s classic poem joyfully to life.
Sarah Brigham (Artistic Director, CEO, and Director of the Christmas productions at Derby Theatre):
“This year we aim to bring some festive sparkle for all ages. Our beloved studio winter shows offer a magical introduction to theatre for the smallest members of our families and their adults, and the integrated British Sign Language and audio description means everyone can be included. As the winter draws in and we look back on the year, there is no better way to celebrate with loved ones more than a theatre trip – I look forward to welcoming everyone here.”
From the creators of Chicken Licken and The Tortoise and the Hare, this enchanting re-telling of The Owl and the Pussycat combines puppetry, live music and beautiful storytelling to invite you into a wonderfully whimsical world of rhyme, rhythm and ridiculousness – perfect for ages 3+ and their grown-ups.
Follow Us!
For more information and The Owl and the Pussycat updates, visit the Derby Theatre website here: The Owl and the Pussycat – Derby Theatre or follow us on social media (Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube – @derbytheatre).