I can’t lie, when a production states that it’s “perfect for the whole family”, I’m always dubious at how a middle-aged man with no children will find anything to enjoy- but how wrong I was to make assumptions.

Sleep Can Wait! at Liverpool’s Unity Theatre with direction from Elinor Randle and in collaboration with Tmesis Theatre is a nostalgic and whimsical piece showing that creativity is timeless and doesn’t require a budget to make magic before the audiences’ eyes.

Before the lights dim, the audience is immersed in the bedroom of youngsters Stephanie, Mariana and Sam on the night before Christmas, introduced to some of their special (toy) friends with an infectious energy that will get even the biggest Scrooge in the mood for the holidays. The cast show off their impressive and expressive skills of dance, acrobatics and innovative storytelling with ease amid the hazy, yet colourful whimsy of Carmen Arquelladas’ design; this is enhanced by the kaleidoscopic palette of Xenia Bayer’s lighting which doesn’t waiver throughout, keeping the audience (no matter their age) hooked.

Original music and songs from Meike Holzmann bolster the production, incorporated with sound design and music that adds to the whimsical nature of the piece, from a Decca Concert Orchestra medley to the unmistakable bars of Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

The best thing about this production, however, is that there’s not a screen in sight. This play opened my eyes to not only how creative theatre can be, but how creative children could be if they put down their devices and opened their imaginations.

Playing until Tuesday 23rd December, pop along to see the magic of Christmas through not only your eyes, but the eyes of dreamers of all ages.

Further information and booking details can be found here.

Tickets received in exchange for a review. #AD

Photography by Alan Blundell.