All that Ben wants for Christmas is a puppy, but come Christmas morning there’s only a toy one under the tree. When nobody but Ben is looking, it comes to life and in the excitement destroys the lovingly prepared Christmas dinner and all the careful preparations for the day. Blamed by his parents for ruining everything for the family, Ben is sent to his room in disgrace, where he’s visited by the Spirit of Christmas. Ben is set a task that will take him and his new four-legged friend on a magical journey to the four corners of the earth and turn his toy puppy into a real one. Along the way, he meets Jack Frost, Sahara Winds and a very sleepy dragon. 

About The Show

This new musical for children aged 4+ features audience participation and the chance to come up on stage and be part of the story. Originally developed with director Ed Burnside (Billy Elliot, Matilda) with assistance from West Sussex County Council Rural Arts and New Writing South, The Puppy That Ate Christmas is a wonderful adventure story, packing in song after song of exciting narrative and engaging action. 

"The Puppy That Ate Christmas is a magical and engaging brand new musical theatre show. It will appeal to both children and adults through its easy narrative but carries the complexity of musical language and emotion. I think Puppy has a richness of quality and charm that makes it a very special piece. It has been a privilege to have been part of the commission process and watch it grow into such an accomplished show over its period of development." Karen Howard, West Sussex Rural Arts Development Officer 

"The show really came to life in the minds of all the children watching - you could see it in their eyes and how still they sat." Chris Taylor, New Writing South

 

Creative Team

Andrew G Marshall 
Book and lyrics 

Andrew is the writer of the book and lyrics of The Puppy That Ate Christmas. His work includes Caruso and the Quake - a Prodigal Theatre collaboration with Andrew G Marshall - which debuted at the Edinburgh Festival (Pleasance Courtyard) and has subsequently toured over sixty dates in England, Wales, North Ireland, Republic of Eire and Germany. 

‘Compelling’ The Stage. 

‘Enormous Warmth’ East Anglian Daily Times. 

Coming Around Again (West Yorkshire Playhouse) Coffee Cantata (Debuted at Chichester Festival for West Sussex Rural Touring) and Modern Major General (Farnham Maltings and Proteus Theatre Company). 

His latest play Caruso and the Monkey House Trial will premier in Edinburgh this summer. Andrew is also the author of nine self-help books (published by Bloomsbury) and his work has been translated into over fifteen different languages.

Jamsheed Master 
Music 

Composer of the score for The Puppy That Ate Christmas, Jamsheed studied under Martin Butler at Sussex University. He has since worked as a music developer for Sony Europe and Disney Interactive. His music appears on several singing and dance videogames including Singstar and Disney SingIt! alongside music for ballet, opera and the concert stage.