Penguins take centre stage at Waterside this Christmas – plus more events for all the family

This Christmas, get ready to enter a winter wonderland as Stuff & Nonsense brings The Man Who Wanted to be a Penguin to Waterside in Sale.

The show will run from 30th November to 31st December 2022, as part of its jam-packed festive season of theatrical and musical treats for all the family.

A family-friendly show, The Man Who Wanted to be a Penguin is the story of an extraordinary explorer, curious conjurer and pioneering problem-solver. As well as pottering in his shed and planning his latest mission, he is also learning to speak ‘penguin’.

But when he arrives in the Antarctic, will its icy wilderness meet his expectations? Will the penguins’ reception be frosty, or will the colony welcome him with open wings?

With playful energy and a mix of puppetry, music and song, the show is set to be a delightful celebration of wild creativity and the joy of individuality.

Tickets start from £12 per person, with concessions available and school bookings on offer from Mondays to Thursdays, as well as select accessible performances. 

Shows and activities happening at Waterside this festive season

Waterside has a number of theatrical delights to enjoy throughout the winter season – take a look below for a few highlights.

A Christmas Carol
2nd December

For one day only, audiences can see Olivier Award-winner Guy Masterson in Charles Dickens’ classic festive fable, A Christmas Carol, at Waterside on 2nd December. 

Famed for bringing multiple characters to vivid life, Masterson will take on the roles of Scrooge, Marley, the Fezziwigs, the Cratchits and even Tiny Tim in a riveting and enchanting performance guaranteed to get audiences into the Christmas spirit.

Best of Buzz Comedy
3rd December

Sure to tickle your festive funny bones, Waterside’s legendary monthly comedy club, Buzz Comedy, is returning with a night of Christmas crackers on December 3.

Featuring comics Addy van der Borgh, Lindsey Santoro and Mo Magaleo, the stellar line-up showcases the best in new and established comedy talent.

Comedysportz improvised pantomimes
9th, 10th, 16th and 17th December

Enjoy ComedySportz’s much-loved and totally improvised panto.

With multiple shows throughout December, there will be a bawdy, raunchy and innuendo-fuelled production especially for adults on 16th and 17th December and a far more wholesome version for ages 7+ on 9th December.

On December 10, tots and their grown-ups even get their own short and sweet version, complete with silliness and songs.

Mackinnon & Saunders: 30 Years and Beyond
19th November 2022 – 25th February 2023

This exciting and family-friendly exhibition at Waterside’s Lauriston Gallery will celebrate the career and talents of the wonderful Altrincham-based, stop-motion animation duo, Mackinnon & Saunders.

The brand new exhibition marks their 30-year career with a stunning display of some of their original puppets and models that have featured in many great and internationally acclaimed TV shows and films over the years.

Highlights include an original puppet and models made by Mackinnon and Saunders for Netflix’s soon-to-be-released Guillermo del Toro animated retelling of Pinocchio.

Homage will also be paid to their longstanding working relationship with Hollywood director, Tim Burton, as several puppets and models they made for two of his films, Corpse Bride and Frankenweenie, will also be in the exhibition, along with work from their contribution to Wes Anderson’s much-loved Fantastic Mr Fox.

Waterside, 1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, Trafford, M33 7ZF. 

Main image: Mark Morreau