Sleeping Trees: The Legend of Moby Dick Whittington

If you cannot get to a theatre to indulge in a festive panto, don't worry, as you can watch this one from the comfort of your own home…or classroom. The whole production has been filmed inside the Sleeping Trees’ house using everyday objects to create set, props, and costume.

It's inspirational, with audience participation for willing performers who can join in by turning their living rooms into ships using a few household items. It's good, old-fashioned fun and James, John and Josh (aka the Sleeping Trees) bring at least two intertwined stories to life with plenty of physical theatre, innovative characterisation, and comedy.

This is the product of a successful writing collaboration between Ben Hales and the Sleeping Trees (James Dunnell-Smith, John Woodburn, Joshua George Smith). It is directed by Kerry Frampton of Splendid Productions with sound and music by Hales. Director of photography Shaun Reynolds is also the editor and the film and sound quality are excellent. There are a few songs to keep all ages happy.

The Mayor of London, Dick Whittington, is going to turn on the Christmas Lights in London when horror strikes: a huge white whale swims into the River Thames and swallows Santa Claus. Christmas is in danger of not happening, so Dick and his cat set offon an adventure.

You will be able to stream the pre-recorded film of The Legend of Moby Dick Whittington throughout all of December. It is ideal for teaching not only the codes and conventions of pantomime style, but also for demonstrating how to successfully stage and film a piece of theatre in your own home.

Teachers might be able to translate some of these ideas to classrooms/studios or theatres to create a socially distanced pantomime of their own using the provided worksheets and resources.

You can watch the trailer on the Sleeping Trees’ Twitter page @WeSleepingTrees.

Buy tickets starting at £5 for the streaming until 31 December. There is also an option available for watching for free.