Reading Libraries Play Host to a Heart-warming Christmas Tale

A New Coat for Christmas

CHILDREN across the borough will be able to hear all about a heart-warming Christmas story during special sessions at Reading Libraries in November and December.

Reading Rep will be putting on the festive show ‘A New Coat for Christmas’ in December but they have also devised special takeovers of Rhymetime sessions in association with Reading Libraries. Reading Libraries secured £38,000 funding from Arts Council England to commission Reading Rep to redevelop the play based on the story ‘A New Coat for Anna’ by Hariet Zierfert, which is full of music, puppetry and song. The show follows the sell-out success of Reading Rep’s ‘Alby the Penguin Saves Christmas’ last year. The production tells the story of little Anna, who needs a coat to keep her warm and snug. But times are hard, so Anna and her mummy set out to make a new coat – with a little help from their friends.

Cllr Sarah Hacker, Lead Councillor for Culture, Heritage and Recreation, said:

“I am delighted Reading Libraries was able to again secure Arts Council England funding for this wonderful festive production. “I am sure it will be a very special treat for young children and families this Christmas. It is also fantastic that youngsters at Reading’s libraries will be able to share in the magic of this heart-warming festive treat!” The library events, consisting of songs and stories, will be held at selected special sessions at Reading Central Library, Whitley Library, Tilehurst Library, Caversham Library, Palmer Park Library, Battle Library and Southcote Library during November and December. All the library sessions are drop-in and details can be found at: www.reading.gov.uk/librarybranches A New Coat for Christmas is a co-production by Reading Rep, Reading Libraries and Oxford Playhouse in association with Flintlock Theatre and is suitable for children aged under six years and their families. It is being performed at Reading Rep Theatre, Reading College, Kings Road, Sunday 18th December – Friday 30th December. Visit: www.readingrep.com/a-new-coat-for-christmas for details and to book tickets.

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