Prepare to be wowed by The Nutcracker Prince

RISING STARS: Lottie Jones as a swan, Elsie Fourie as Rose Fairy, Edith Fourie as Bluebelle Fairy get into character. Picture supplied

Audiences will witness something magical when promising young actors bring The Nutcracker Prince to life at Evolution Theatre.

About 30 tamariki from ages six to 11 will transform themselves for the performance, directed by Julie McPhail and Beth Fourie.

The play takes place on Christmas Eve, when seven-year-old Clara is gifted a wooden toy soldier. After her brother Fritz breaks it accidentally, she fixes it, puts it under the tree and goes to bed.

At night the toys comes alive and a battle against the bossy and tyrant-ruling Rat King ensues.

The performances are the culmination of weeks of work from the Gisborne Rising Stars, a workshop that helps kids learn about acting and teamwork, Mrs McPhail said.

“It's all about instilling confidence in them. Also the idea is that if we pass on the passion for acting now, when they go to high school they will have the confidence to take part in drama and plays, or even pursue an acting career later on.”

The workshops run for 20 weeks, until the kids are prepped to perform.

“The activities in the workshop help them grow skills in coordination, collaboration, teamwork, public speaking, self-confidence and more,” Mrs McPhail said.

In 2003 Mrs McPhail began the workshops with Unity Theatre.

After taking a break from directing, the growing demand from parents wanting their children to participate in plays encouraged her to resume her role.

“I never get tired of watching these lovely kids grow and develop.”

The Nutcracker Prince is on August 17, 18 and 19 at 5.30pm and August 20 at 4.00pm. Adult tickets are $10, children's tickets are $5 from trybooking.com