Talking Turkeys and other Christmas crackers to raise funds for West Berks theatre structural works

Prepare for a New Era of Christmas entertainment next week.

If you are looking for something a little different from the panto to get you into the Christmas spirit this year, look no further than New Era’s fundraiser Christmas Crackers.

“This is a departure for us,” says player Sally Hall, “as not even our stalwart members can recall staging a show this close to Christmas.

“While we will not actually be handing you a cracker, we will be providing a warming glass of mulled wine and a mince pie as you settle down in our cosy theatre to watch an evening of festive readings.

“We have put together a selection of absolute literary crackers that will help you to relive your favourite Christmas memories. Join the Cratchits as they sit down for their Christmas feast; go carol singing with Laurie Lee in Cider with Rosie, and with a few fieldmice from Wind in the Willows. Stalk a few cats in the snow in Wales with Dylan Thomas and sympathise with Egbert as he tries to avoid his aunt’s diet-busting Christmas dinner, brilliantly written by Wodehouse.

“We have selected poems and novel extracts for you to enjoy, brought to life by a merry band of familiar New Era faces.

“We will take you through several eras of British Christmas celebrations, as well as heading over the Atlantic to check out how that old Grinch stole Christmas, and coming right up to date whilst Talking Turkeys with Benjamin Zephaniah.

“We can almost guarantee you will leave the theatre humming White Christmas and surprised to find there is no snow crunching under your shoes.”

Performances are on Tuesday (December 17, Wednesday and Thursday. Mince pies and mulled wine will be served, included in the ticket price of £15.

Proceeds are to raise money for vital structural work at the Wash Common theatre.

The New Era Players present Christmas Crackers at the New Era Theatre, Andover Road, Wash Common, Newbury RG14 6NU.

Tickets are available at ticketsource.co.uk/new-era-players, For other enquiries, email the Box Office at boxoffice@neweraplayers.org or call 07919 916009.

Doors open at 7.30pm for a mince pie and mulled wine before the show.