Live Theatre presents
Where Do All The Kittiwakes Go At Christmas?
Live Theatre presents
Where Do All The Kittiwakes Go At Christmas?
Performed by SHANNON MCLEAN & MALCOLM SHIELDS
Come to Live Theatre for a deliciously wintry new play this Christmas!
Sprinkled with ideas from local schoolchildren, this festive tale will have the whole family squawking with laughter!
Ever wondered where all those cheeky seaside birds go when Christmas comes and there aren’t any fish and chips left to steal?
Well this alternative Christmas play will answer that very question. Hosted by two REAL LIFE Kittiwakes, you might start your story in shivery Newcastle but in no time you will be flying around the world, meeting all kinds of outrageous feathery friends and maybe even (shhhhhh!) learning the secret to a long and happy life….
All aboard the Kittiwake express! It’s going to be bumpy!
Reviews
Yesterday we stopped by Live Theatre to see their family friendly wintry show. We were very intrigued by the title, both of my boys were excited for this one!
Where Do All The Kittiwakes Go At Christmas takes place in the middle of studio upstairs at Live and it’s the loveliest space. There was seating close to the stage for children, making it really intimate and at times, interactive.
The performance itself is really unique and is full of humour - we all laughed a lot! We loved the two actors (Shannon McClean and Malcom Shields) - especially the way multi-roles were played! The storytelling is done in the most engaging and captivating way too, we particularly liked the costumes and props!
The play is based upon ideas from local schoolchildren, we loved all of the local/Geordie references! It’s not just all fun though, it’s meaningful too and very heartwarming - making it the perfect alternative show to see this Christmas.
Perfect for children aged 5 and up.
🕦 Run time approx. 1 hour (no interval)
MUM OF BOYS NORTH EAST
Audience Feedback
This joyful family show is more than just festive fun: it’s a clever, imaginative, fun adventure that blends humour, wonder, and kindness with timely messages of solidarity and empathy.
Along with the obvious child’s appeal, I found it tackling themes that resonate deeply today: migration, belonging, and how we treat strangers. In an uneasy world where we often hear about walls and borders, this production gently reminds us of the beauty of movement and the shared challenges faced by all kinds of travellers. The way the birds make friends in places they’ve never seen before was a beautiful metaphor for openness.
There are moments that had the audience laughing out loud, and others that invited thoughtful silence. The performances are warm and energetic, the staging colourful and imaginative, and the pace perfect for younger attention spans without ever talking down to them. It’s as informative as it is entertaining.
A delightful, meaningful Christmas adventure that’s genuinely as enjoyable for adults as it is for children. Funny, heartfelt, and full of hope — this is the perfect festive outing for families.
AUDIENCE MEMBER
Production shots
Where Do All The Kittiwakes Go At Christmas? programme
Where Do All The Kittiwakes Go At Christmas? programmeTeaser
Shannon McLean
Shannon is a Newcastle-born performer and the owner of a thriving theatre school, where she inspires the next generation of young performers. She is delighted to be back home and working in live theatre once again.
Credits include: Cinderella in ‘A Crackin’ Cinderella Story’, Webster’s Theatre , ‘Mother for an Hour’ (feature film), ‘Blue Jean’ (BBC Films) and ‘The Wizard of Oz’, Tron Theatre.
Malcolm Shields
Theatre Includes: ONE OFF (Live Theatre), Performer and Choreographer for the one man show PRESENT (both original version at Alphabetti Theatre and revival at Live Theatre), Movement Director and Choreographer for WHEN THE BOAT COMES IN – THE HUNGRY YEARS (Odd Man Out/Customs House), FLOORBOARDS (Alphabetti Theatre), Movement Director for TROLLEY BOY (Alphabetti Theatre), CINDERELLA (Citizen's Theatre, Glasgow), Movement Director and Choreographer for COULDN'T CARE LESS (Plutôt La Vie/Strange Theatre), CALUM'S ROAD (NTS), THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR (Communicado/Aberystwyth Arts), TAM O'SHANTER (Communicado Theatre, Horsecross Arts Ltd), BEAUTIFUL BURN OUT Workshop (National Theatre of Scotland),
Television Includes: OUTLANDER, WE HUNT TOGETHER, NO HOLDS BARD, TAGGART, HIGH TIMES, TAGGART, THE BELLROCK, THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES, CASUALTY, THE LOST WORLD, ACTIVE DEFENCE, REBUS: "Black And Blue" & "Dead Souls", MONARCH OF THE GLEN, LOOKING AFTER JOJO.
Film Includes: WASTELAND, I DANIEL BLAKE, LAST WORD, CRYING WITH LAUGHTER, DEATH DEFYING ACTS, HALLAM FOE, YOUNG ADAM, ORPHANS and GRANTON STAR CAUSE.
