22 Oct 2024
The inaugural Alban Film Week at St Albans Cathedral promises to be packed with exciting family-friendly activities, combining live music, interactive storytelling, and hands-on workshops.
Carrot Productions, the world’s leading performer of The Snowman film with a live orchestra, will be presenting a blend of live music, interactive storytelling, and hands-on fun throughout the week, which runs from October 29 to November 2.
Highlights include Musical Beasts, a unique performance of Peter and the Wolf paired with an animated screening of The Bear and the Piano, complete with live narration and music.
Fans of Aardman animation will love the Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death experience, featuring a screening with live orchestral accompaniment and thrilling chase scenes from Wallace & Gromit films. There’s also a chance to participate in Gromit model-making workshops, offering a behind-the-scenes look into Aardman’s creative process. With opportunities for dressing up, craft activities, and meeting the musicians, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Carrot Productions managing director Rachel Whibley said: “We’re thrilled to return to St Albans Cathedral after last year’s hugely successful Snowman Tour. The shows we’re bringing to Film Week are designed to be a wonderful experience for all ages, offering the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy time together during the half-term holidays.”
Musical Beasts, October 29
An interactive experience featuring Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, performed in costume and entirely from memory. Attendees will also enjoy an animated adaptation of David Litchfield’s award-winning book, The Bear and the Piano, featuring narration recorded by Joanna Lumley and original music by CBeebies composer Daniel Whibley, played live by a wind quintet and piano ensemble.
With musicians drawn from Carrot Productions’ acclaimed The Snowman and Wallace & Gromit shows, this event promises to be a delightful treat for families.
To make the adventure even more special, they can arrive early for free craft activities then stay afterwards to meet the musicians to explore their costumes and instruments up close. Dressing up is encouraged, with a prize for the best beastly costume!
The Wonderful World of Wallace & Gromit , October 30
Fans of Wallace & Gromit can join an action-packed experience that pairs Aardman’s classic duo with live orchestral music. Audiences will enjoy a screening of A Matter of Loaf and Death, where Wallace and Gromit run their ‘Top Bun’ bakery while facing a mysterious challenge: local bakers are disappearing, and Wallace might be next! The screening includes exciting chase scenes from all five Wallace & Gromit films, plus a short film feature starring Shaun the Sheep.
Gromit Model-Making Workshops
For families attending the Wallace & Gromit performances, there’s an extra treat: learn to sculpt your very own Gromit with expert guidance from an Aardman model maker. Suitable for ages 5 and up, the workshop offers a hands-on opportunity to explore the world of Aardman Animations. Participants get to take their creations home, making it a perfect family activity.
Award-winning composer
Daniel Whibley, the creative force behind Carrot Productions’ shows, has been making waves in entertainment and education. Known for composing music for CBeebies’ Musical Storyland and The Musical Story of the Gingerbread Man, his latest work includes a series of interactive shows for special schools. His talent shines through in the live performances at St Albans, bringing a magical musical experience to life.
The musicians
The Carrot Productions Orchestra, featuring top talent drawn from the Hallé, BBC Philharmonic, and BBC Concert orchestra amongst others, will bring the music to life throughout the Film Week. After each performance, families can chat with the musicians, learn about their instruments, and even enjoy music requests.
The Alban Film Week celebrates the 10th anniversary of the St Albans Film Festival with an exciting mix of screenings, Q&As, and special events. For more information and to book visit www.stalbanscathedral.com or contact the Cathedral on 01727 890210
