Coming soon
18 Oct 2027 - 31 Dec 2027

Elves and the Shoemaker

by Rhys Warrington

Step into a heartwarming world of shoes, craft, community and kindness in a magical new retelling of Elves and the Shoemaker. 

A skilled shoemaker and their child arrive in a new place hoping to build a better life through the craft they love – making beautiful new shoes, repairing old ones, giving worn-out things a new lease of life. But the local people are not welcoming, and as winter draws in and money grows tight, their hard work alone might not be enough.  

Then, just when hope begins to fade, two mischievous elves appear in their workshop after dark… 

With care, generosity, and a little bit of magic, these unexpected helpers remind everyone that even in difficult times, a good heart and community spirit can light the way forward. 

Written by Rhys Warrington, the 2026 Jerwood Writer in Residence, this joyful family production celebrates the power of kindness, craftsmanship, sustainability and the difference small actions can make for others. With original songs and charming design, this adventure is perfect for children aged 3 and above. 

Elves and the Shoemaker is now available for bookings at theatres, arts centres and schools. Get in touch with our Tour Booker, Dick Bonham dick@tutti-frutti.org.uk, to secure your date!

‘Anyone who enjoys a charming, funny, inventive afternoon at the theatre will be sure to come out with a grin on their face.’ British Theatre Guide  

Creative Team

Wendy Harris

Artistic Director, Chair of PYA England

Wendy has held the position of artistic director at Tutti Frutti since 2005, touring nationally and internationally, co-producing the Little Feet Festival of Children’s Theatre, and leading on the development programmes and arts engagement work.

Rhys Warrington

Rhys Warrington

Writer

Rhys is a London based writer/actor who grew up in rural Carmarthenshire in South West Wales. His latest play MONUMENT will receive its premiere in a co-production between the Royal Court Theatre and the Sherman Theatre in December 2026 as part of the Royal Court’s 70th Anniversary Season. Other writing credits include: BOY-ish (Matsena Productions/Welsh Tour) & BLUE (Chippy Lane Productions/Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff). Rhys is currently under commission with Michael Sheen’s Welsh National Theatre and is the 2026 Pentabus Jerwood Writer in Residence.

Image credit to Guy Sanders.

Kate Bunce

Set & Costume Designer

Kate has been a set and costume designer for nearly 30 years. She has enjoyed designing several Tutti Frutti shows since 2015. Other companies include Almeida Theatre, The Wardrobe Ensemble, Birmingham Rep, Little Angel Theatre, National Theatre, The New Vic, Orange Tree Theatre, BAC, Polka Theatre, Royal & Derngate, The Place, Southwark Playhouse and DMS productions. Recent work includes (1000) Millenia at Almeida Theatre, The Mystery of …. Show for DMS Productions at Edinburgh festival and The Ugly Duckling for Birmingham Rep.

Sara Burns

Lighting Designer

Of Nordic heritage, Sara Burns is a Lighting Designer working across theatre, television, and live events. Recent Tutti Frutti Productions theatre credits include, Underneath a Magical Moon, Glass Slippers, The Lightbulb Princess, Yellow is the Colour of Sunshine, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, and Rapunzel.

She was Lighting Designer for the Olivier Award-nominated 10 Nights (Graeae/Tamasha/Bush Theatre), Hello and Goodbye, (York Theatre Royal) Colder Than Here, Blue Stockings, and The Beggars of York. Other credits include ongoing collaborations with leading creative agencies, designing for broadcast events and architectural installations. Sara also lectures in technical theatre design, bringing a passion for storytelling and visual atmosphere to the next generation of theatre-makers.

Calum Clark

Production Manager

Calum is an experienced production and technical stage manager who has toured nationally and internationally with Tutti Frutti since 2016. Other escapades include Wrongsemble’s Not So… trilogy (Leeds), Archipelago Arts’ Mother Of The Revolution (Leeds) and numerous site specific projects with Slung Low (Hull, Sheffield, Manchester).

Information for Families

We create shows especially for children aged 3+ and their families and carers

Are you looking to introduce your children to the magic of live theatre? Find out where to see our shows, what to expect when you see a show, and how we can support your child’s learning through live performance.

Information for Families

Information for Venues, Schools & International

Information for Venues, Schools & International

Schools

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Venues

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International

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Schools

We create our shows to be easily transferred and enjoyed in a school setting.
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Venues

Would you like to bring a Tutti Frutti show to your venue? Find out more in this section.
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International

We are proud to have previously toured to America, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Poland.
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