LOGAN PAUL MURPHY IS BACK! THIS TIME 'WITH A LITTLE…
The Nutcracker & the mouse king December 2026
Christmas is a time for wonder, magic… and impossible choices.
When sixteen-year-old Clara Stahlbaum receives an unusual Nutcracker from her eccentric godfather, Theodor Drosselmeyer, she has no idea that a hidden war has been raging beyond her own world for years.
The mysterious gift is far more than a wooden toy. It is Prince Nikolaus of Bonnaterre, a young prince trapped beneath a terrible enchantment cast during a brutal conflict between the peaceful Bonnaterre and the dark Mouse Kingdom of Myshelovka. Only an act of extraordinary courage can break the curse.
As Clara is drawn into a breathtaking adventure across three magical realms, she discovers glittering sugar forests, enchanted fairy courts, imprisoned kings, dangerous secrets and a kingdom on the brink of collapse.
Standing against them is the ruthless Mouse King Mysha, a tyrant determined to conquer every realm in existence. Yet not everyone within his kingdom believes war is the answer. Unexpected friendships begin to blur the line between hero and villain, forcing Clara to question everything she thought she knew about courage, loyalty and forgiveness.
With the help of the elegant Sugar Plum Fairy Tianna, loyal toy soldiers, mischievous faeries and unlikely allies from both sides of the conflict, Clara must decide whether love and compassion are powerful enough to end generations of hatred before darkness consumes them all.
Big Bad Wolf
A Happy Thoughts Drama Company Original Production
Director Millie Hardy-Sims
An original stage adaptation inspired by the timeless fairy tale by E.T.A. Hoffmann
Christmas is a time for wonder, magic… and impossible choices.
When sixteen-year-old Clara Stahlbaum receives an unusual Nutcracker from her eccentric godfather, Theodor Drosselmeyer, she has no idea that a hidden war has been raging beyond her own world for years.
The mysterious gift is far more than a wooden toy. It is Prince Nikolaus of Bonnaterre, a young prince trapped beneath a terrible enchantment cast during a brutal conflict between the peaceful Bonnaterre and the dark Mouse Kingdom of Myshelovka. Only an act of extraordinary courage can break the curse.
As Clara is drawn into a breathtaking adventure across three magical realms, she discovers glittering sugar forests, enchanted fairy courts, imprisoned kings, dangerous secrets and a kingdom on the brink of collapse.
Standing against them is the ruthless Mouse King Mysha, a tyrant determined to conquer every realm in existence. Yet not everyone within his kingdom believes war is the answer. Unexpected friendships begin to blur the line between hero and villain, forcing Clara to question everything she thought she knew about courage, loyalty and forgiveness.
With the help of the elegant Sugar Plum Fairy Tianna, loyal toy soldiers, mischievous faeries and unlikely allies from both sides of the conflict, Clara must decide whether love and compassion are powerful enough to end generations of hatred before darkness consumes them all.
Filled with spectacular fantasy, unforgettable characters, thrilling sword fights, beautiful ballet-inspired moments and plenty of Christmas magic, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King is an epic festive adventure that reimagines Hoffmann’s classic tale for a modern audience.
This original adaptation expands the beloved fairy tale into a sweeping fantasy adventure featuring romance, humour, action, political intrigue and heart, while remaining true to the spirit of Hoffmann’s enchanting Christmas classic.
Perfect for audiences of all ages, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King is a magical celebration of bravery, hope and the belief that even the smallest act of kindness can change the fate of an entire kingdom.
Will Clara break the curse… or will the Mouse King claim every realm forever?
ABOUT HAPPY THOUGHTS DRAMA COMPANY
Founded in 2011, Happy Thoughts Drama Company has spent the last 15 years creating imaginative, family-friendly theatre across West Cumbria. What began as a small group with a passion for storytelling has grown into a company known for ambitious productions, original adaptations and giving performers of all ages the opportunity to shine.
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King marks a very special milestone: our fifteenth production in our fifteenth year, and our eighth production at the beautiful Workington Theatre Royal, a venue we are proud to perform in.
Over the years we have brought audiences everything from swashbuckling adventures and magical fairy tales to mysteries and festive favourites, with productions including Peter Pan, King Arthur, The Big Bad Wolf, A Christmas Carol, Sherlock Holmes, Treasure Island and many more. Every production is built around our belief that theatre should be imaginative, accessible and filled with heart.
Our casts are made up of talented local young performers who volunteer their time because they share a love of live theatre and community storytelling. Whether stepping onto the stage for the very first time or returning for another production, every member of the company plays an important part in bringing these worlds to life.
As we celebrate fifteen incredible years, we’d like to thank every audience member, volunteer, cast member, crew member and supporter who has been part of our journey. Your encouragement has allowed Happy Thoughts Drama Company to continue creating magical experiences for our community, and we can’t wait to share many more adventures with you in the years ahead.
Here’s to fifteen years of stories… and the beginning of the next chapter.
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