New Old Friends Bring Two Christmas Shows to Lichfield Garrick This Winter

Hurtle headlong into a crime caper of a train journey with this alternative Christmas comedy for adults, inspired by Christie's classic whodunnits and the espionage antics of The 39 Steps and Jason Bourne. Join a cast of four on a hilarious and homicidal adventure as they take on a variety of guises -- jewel thieves, circus performers, sleazy tourists and more make up the passenger list.

New Old Friends return to Lichfield this winter for more seasonal shenanigans after the runaway sell-out success of Crimes Against Christmas last year, with not one but two shows: Home for Christmas for kids and Crimes on the Christmas Express for adults. Crimes on the Christmas Express is a co-production with the Lichfield Garrick and is created entirely in Lichfield. The show will feature the return of three of last year's cast, with Doron Davidson making his first appearance with New Old Friends in seven years.

"We had such an incredible time last year, we couldn't be happier to be returning to the Garrick with a new 'Crimes' show. This one is just as daft with slightly less death, but more ski chases, trains and real magic. Genuine fake magic." - Feargus Woods Dunlop, New Old Friends

New Old Friends are an award-winning theatre company dedicated to creating original comedy theatre, founded in 2008 and run by husband and wife team Feargus Woods Dunlop and Heather Westwell. Previous shows include Silly Songs of Shakespeare, Anti-Panto! and Mate. In 2014 and 2015, New Old Friends took their adaptation of Anthony Horowitz's The Falcon's Malteser on two national tours and to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, enjoying sell-out shows at the Pleasance and great critical acclaim. After a chance conversation via Twitter, the company met Lichfield Garrick's artistic director Tim Ford and the collaboration for Crimes Against Christmas began. In 2018 the company will tour another new 'Crimes' show, Crimes Under The Sun, for 14 weeks across the UK.

@newoldfriends | #CrimesExpress | www.newoldfriends.co.uk

Running Time: 90mins plus interval | Suitable for ages 12+

Company Information

Directed by Tim Ford Written by Feargus Woods Dunlop

Music by Dave Culling Lighting Design by Liz Porrett

Cast

Doron Davidson, Jonny Mclean, Heather Westwell, Feargus Woods Dunlop

8th December 2017 - 6th January 2018 www.lichfieldgarrick.com

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Saddled with a giant Christmas tree and a to-do list longer than her arm, Mum is on a yuletide quest to make it home before the snow is due. Along the way, she meets a variety of amusing characters: the town mayor's in a pickle, and there are clumsy sheep, lost birds and stranded farmers to help too. Can Mum still manage to get home in time? Home for Christmas is a gentle rhyming story created in Lichfield that features puppetry, song and promises to be a captivating treat for kids.

New Old Friends return to Lichfield this winter for more seasonal shenanigans after the runaway sell-out success of Crimes Against Christmas last year, with not one but two shows: Home for Christmas for kids and Crimes on the Christmas Express for adults.

"Being Associated with Theatre Royal Bath's egg, we've seen so much fantastic theatre for young audi-ences so it's great to be making something magical in that style here in Lichfield. The team we've brought together is filled with brilliantly talented people, we can't wait." - Heather Westwell, of New Old Friends

New Old Friends are an award-winning theatre company and associate company at The Egg Theatre Royal Bath, the country's leading theatre for young audiences. Founded in 2008 and run by husband and wife team Feargus Woods Dunlop and Heather Westwell, their previous shows include Silly Songs of Shakespeare, Anti-Panto! and Mate. In 2014 and 2015, New Old Friends took their adaptation of Anthony Horowitz's The Falcon's Malteser on two national tours and to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, enjoying sell-out shows at the Pleasance and great critical acclaim. After a chance conversation via Twitter, the company met Lichfield Garrick's artistic director Tim Ford and the collaboration for Crimes Against Christmas began. In 2018 the company will tour another new 'Crimes' show, Crimes Under The Sun, for 14 weeks across the UK.

@newoldfriends | #HomeForChristmas | www.newoldfriends.co.uk

Running Time: 30-45 minutes | Suitable for ages 2-3+

Company Information

Directed by Deb Pugh Written by Heather Westwell

Music by Dave Culling Lighting Design by Liz Porrett

Cast

Katie Haygarth (Very Hungry Caterpillar in the West End), Emma Longthorne

12th - 31st December 2017 www.lichfieldgarrick.com

Photo credit: Lloyd Evans Photography

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