Our creative team has kicked off an exciting R&D period for Red Robin’s Winter Song, and the first three days have been packed with curiosity, play, and big-hearted collaboration. We are happy to welcome to the Tutti Frutti family: writer Manjeet Mann, Off West End Theatre Award winner; Artistic Director Wendy Harris; Set and Costume Designer Catherine Chapman; Movement Director Vince Virr; Lighting Designer Sara Burns; Composer and Musical Director Lee Affen; Musical Director for vocals and singing Christella Litras; and Production Manager Calum Clark.
Day 1: Laying the Groundwork
Our R&D journey began at Carriageworks Theatre, where the company settled into the space and took time to align on shared values—particularly our ongoing commitment to the Theatre Green Book. From there, conversations turned toward childhood development. We shared personal memories, reflected on early experiences, and began imagining the world and characters of the story. The day ended with some hands-on creativity, as we mocked up early set ideas together with our set designer, testing how the world of Red Robin’s Winter Song might take shape.
Day 2: Finding the Rhythm
Back at Carriageworks, the focus shifted to sound and movement. The team explored the show’s soundscape—experimenting with music and songs that will help tell the story and set its emotional tone. In the afternoon, energy levels rose as our Movement Director led physical explorations of character and gesture. Through playful experimentation, we began discovering how each character might move through the world of the show (and confirmed, unanimously, that our Movement Director is the most flexible person in the room).
Day 3: Learning from Young Imaginations
Day three brought a very special collaboration with Harehills Primary. The creative team spent a joyful few hours dancing, playing, and imagining alongside the children, whose ideas and instincts offered invaluable inspiration. Together, we packed suitcases, talked about leaving familiar places, and arriving somewhere new on our own. We transformed into robins, mice, hedgehogs, and swallows, exploring themes of friendship, kindness, and belonging. These moments were beautifully captured by writer Manjeet Mann, preserving the spirit of the day.
The first phase of R&D has been full of warmth, imagination, and discovery—and it’s only the beginning. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has contributed so far and can’t wait to see how Red Robin’s Winter Song continues to grow.
Interested in booking this show for Autumn and Christmas 2026? Contact our Tour Booker, Mark Makin mark.makin@makinprojects.co.uk.