Brennans Bread teams up with Replay Theatre Company to launch free pop-up theatre for kids
THE family bread bakers Brennans is teaming up with Replay Theatre Company to offer families a break from the festive shopping rush by visiting a pop-up theatre in Belfast City Centre.
More than 1,000 children across Northern Ireland are set to enjoy a slice of live theatre for free from December 4 to December 9 with Replay’s production of ‘A Boy & His Box’.
The play, ‘A Boy & His Box’ centres around a child who discovers a world of fun with a disused box, imagining it’s a spaceship, racing car or robot rather than playing with expensive toys he has been given.
It’s based on the fact that according to a recent survey, 46% of parents in the UK say their children spend most of their time playing with unwanted boxes instead of toys and games.*
Local charity Replay are hoping that by putting on the production of ‘A Boy & His Box’, it will encourage mums and dads to take a break from festive shopping and enjoy quality time with their children, encouraging them to use their imagination this Christmas.
The production is part of the theatre company’s partnership with Brennans Bread, using empty retail space on Belfast’s High Street, to provide free shows throughout the week. There will also be sampling opportunities of free toast and drinks available, as well as a video booth and box for children to create their own production.
Eimear Henry, executive director of Replay Theatre Company, said: “We’re aware that Christmas can be a hectic time for parents struggling to keep the kids entertained on tight budgets and we’re hoping we can come to their aid by offering an innovative new play for free.
“We’re working alongside our partner Brennans, using empty retail space right in the city centre to create a pop-up theatre, so it doesn’t have to disturb mum’s Christmas shopping and she can come along and enjoy the play too.
“The theme of this production is all about children using their imagination and hopefully everyone who sees it will be inspired to think outside the box this Christmas!” she added.
Colin Todd, business development manager of Brennans Bread is encouraging parents from across Northern Ireland to visit Belfast during the festive season and take some time out to enjoy free theatre.
“Brennans is delighted to be partnering Replay to deliver free theatre for families this Christmas,” said Colin. “In the run-up to the festive season it can be difficult to take some time out as a family and the pop-up theatre offers a fun, creative way to relax.
“I would encourage everyone to make sure they catch a production as it will be available for one week only and step in from the cold and enjoy some of the creative games, not to mention the delicious Brennans toast that will be on offer,” he added.
Brona Whittaker, Arts Manager of Arts and Business, funders of ‘A Boy & His Box’ said, “We are delighted to support this project which is a perfect example of how business and the arts can work together. Transforming an empty space into a pop up theatre in the city centre is a brilliant use of space at this busy retail time of year.”
A Boy & His Box will be showing for free at the pop-up theatre on 18 High Street, Belfast on Tuesday December 4th at 3.30pm and 5pm, Thursday 6th and Friday 7th at 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm and 7pm and on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. For further information visit www.replaytheatreco.org. Booking not required.