8 May 2024

A festively froggy family adventure

A festive adventure designed for children aged three and above has opened at Hull Truck Theatre.

Princess and the Frog, being staged in the Godber Studio until Sunday, December 31, encourages audiences to explore what it means to be truly accepted for who you really are. The production is both written and directed by Hull Truck Theatre’s associate director, Tom Saunders.

The story centres on Princess Lily – but she is not your average princess. She is a tree-climbing, Dr Martens-wearing, football-loving princess.

As the night of the castle’s annual Christmas ball arrives, she’s expected to brush her hair, keep herself clean, pop on a posh frock and, most importantly, keep out of trouble. She befriends an unsuspecting frog, but there’s more to him than meets the eye, and Lily is about to witness a true Christmas miracle unfold right before her very eyes.

Lily is played by Petra Joan Athene, a recent graduate from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, alongside Lancashire actor Jason Connor who will perform the character of Frog.

Tom Saunders said: “I am delighted to be once again creating a magical show for young children at Hull Truck Theatre this Christmas. The production is going to be full of songs with opportunities for the children in the audience to join in, and also lots of magic!

“I think the children are going to absolutely love Lily and our fabulous Frog. Seeing the children’s eyes grow wide, their gasps, laughs and smiles during the Christmas production is always the highlight of my year.”

All performances are specifically designed to welcome people who will benefit from a more relaxed environment, and include additional lighting and a friendly attitude to noise and movement in the auditorium.