Local schools in Croydon have been invited to apply for free tickets for selected performances of the Snow Queen (Fairfield Halls) as part of a new partnership with S4K International, a Surrey-based international company with deep Croydon connections. They will rehearse and launch productions, including the forthcoming musical adaptation of THE SNOW QUEEN, at the Ashcroft Theatre, Fairfield Halls.
On Thursday 27 April, there will be three performances of The Snow Queen during the day, ahead of the show touring internationally.
Schools can apply for tickets to performances at 9.30am, 11.30am and 1.30pm.
S4K Founder and Creative Director Julian Chenery explained that there was a long-standing connection between the two companies, which has previously included working in association with Fairfield Halls on the company’s UK theatre touring productions.
“The resurgence of Fairfield Halls’ fortunes under its new leadership coincides with Croydon being the 2023 London Borough of Culture and we at S4K are delighted we can be associated with Fairfield and Croydon both here in the UK and internationally.”
The company’s Shakespeare 4 Kidz brand is known for its easy-to-understand musical adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays and has been touring these shows to theatres across the UK and abroad since 1997. S4K International has been presenting its pop-up theatre one-hour musical versions of popular folk and fairy tales since 2012, mainly across the Arabian Gulf. Productions In the past year have included Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk, Treasure Island and Little Red Riding hood.
S4K’s Producers Carolyn and Julian Chenery are a husband-and-wife team, and both were brought up in Croydon. In fact, their first date was following a meeting in the Ashcroft Theatre Artists’ Bar.
“On both a personal and professional level, Croydon and Fairfield Halls has been part of our DNA for most of our lives. The venue has been dark in recent years, and we are fully behind its new management who we are confident will return the Fairfield Halls to its reputation as the most prestigious arts and entertainment complex in South London.”
Jonathan Higgins, Associate Venue Director for Fairfield Halls, said,
“Having worked with Carolyn and Julian previously elsewhere, it’s a real pleasure to now collaborate with them in Croydon and welcome the Shakespeare 4 Kidz team back to the venue. Supporting local creatives and talent is a cornerstone to our mission, and additionally, we’ll be delighted to welcome local school children to the performances of the Snow Queen.”
More information and booking links available at fairfield.co.uk
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Notes to Editors
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BH Live is a leading operator of leisure and event venues; a registered charity and social enterprise that designs and builds engaging experiences to inspire people and enrich lives.
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About Fairfield Halls, Croydon
Fairfield Halls is operated by BH Live in partnership with Croydon Council.
It hosts a year-round diverse programme of events including concerts, cultural events, classical performances, music, dance, comedy, theatre productions, community events, conferences and exhibitions, meetings and banquets.
Spaces include the 809-seat Ashcroft Theatre, the world-class 1,802-seat Concert Hall famed for its acoustics, The Recreational (a 750-capacity standing live music venue) and John Whitgift Community Cube.
With a long and distinguished history, Fairfield Halls is at the heart of Croydon’s community.
Talawa, the UK’s primary Black-led touring theatre company, the award-winning and inclusive Savvy Theatre Company, and London Mozart Players are companies in residence. Chineke! Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) are orchestras in partnership. Educational and learning programmes are delivered in the venue’s Yamaha Music School.
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother opened Fairfield Halls on Friday 2 November 1962. The inaugural concert in the Concert Hall was performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Malcolm Sargent, with renowned soloist Yehudi Menuhin also performing. The Ashcroft Theatre was opened on 5 November 1962 by Croydon-born Dame Peggy Ashcroft. For more visit fairfield.co.uk.
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