HomeArts & LifestyleThe World of Beatrix Potter celebrates 25th anniversary

The World of Beatrix Potter celebrates 25th anniversary

Two major anniversaries on the same day is cause for celebration for The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction as they celebrate their official 25th Anniversary on Thursday 28th July 2016 – the same day as the 150th Anniversary of Beatrix Potter.

Throughout 2016, The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction will be staging special celebratory delights, bringing children’s literature to life at their magical world in the heart of the Lake District.

The world premiere of the brand new family musical Where’s Peter Rabbit? opens in the Old Laundry Theatre on Monday 27th June 2016. The cast will perform with some of Beatrix Potter’s best loved animal characters: Peter Rabbit, Jeremy Fisher, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, Jemima Puddle-Duck and all their hedgerow and farmyard animal friends. The musical developed faithfully from the little books is composed by Steve Edis (The Silver Sword, The Invisible Man, RNT, RSC), with a classical set design by Roger Glossop including stunning projections. The ten week run of Where’s Peter Rabbit? will play three shows a day throughout the summer. And the theatrical experience doesn’t need to stop there, as the Attraction has launched Character breakfast, lunch and tea parties, to be enjoyed before or after the live family show. Where’s Peter Rabbit? musical adventure will capture Potter‘s poetry, freshness and humour, whilst staying true to her unforgettable illustrations.

It is that attention to detail that has made The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction an integral part of The Lakes over the last 25 years, and a-must-go-to experience walking through Beatrix Potter’s famous Lakeland scenery meeting her loveable characters. The brainchild of the husband and wife team, theatre set designer Roger Glossop and Charlotte Scott, have lovingly grown and expanded the Attraction. The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction now includes The Old Laundry Theatre and the Tea Room. Also the delicious Peter Rabbit™ Garden where this year they will be growing a special Anniversary Long Scarlet Radish alongside other unusual and traditional heritage vegetables, flowers and fruits from Beatrix Potter’s era – with many sourced by simply looking at the illustrations in her little books. New for 2016 is a special catering and events building, the Laundrama, for fun and entertaining Character meals, to complement the attraction, exhibition and theatre – all staying true to the genius that is Beatrix Potter.

Another highlight of The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction Anniversary Celebrations will be their exciting Where’s Peter Rabbit? Treasure Trail on Saturday 9th April 2016. Searching across the Lake District, Where’s Peter Rabbit? Treasure Trail will discover just 150 hand-made exquisite collectable ceramic eggs, made by local artist Sue Dunne, to keep! With a modern twist, treasure seekers will use the interactive digital Treasure Trail map, updated as the special eggs are found across The Lakes. The eggs will be hidden in open view in the countryside, parks, tourist attractions and public places. No digging or delving is necessary for a great day out in The Lakes!

And on Thursday 28th July 2016 when the two Anniversaries happily explode at The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction with traditional bunting, decorations, cake….oh and Beatrix Potter, who will be in the enchanting Peter Rabbit™ Garden with her real animals!

Roger Glossop says: “Beatrix Potter has dominated our lives for the last 25 years (in a good way!) so it is fantastic to have a double celebration for our 25th and her 150 years throughout 2016. From the day we opened the door 25 years ago, Beatrix Potter has taken us on an exhilarating journey – exhibition, garden, shop, restaurant, online, theatre and ongoing – we couldn’t have aligned our creative and business life with a more original, entrepreneurial and visionary woman.”

With so much more to enjoy throughout the year at The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction, it’s just as well they are only celebrating 25 (or in Beatrix Potter’s case 150) just the once!

See www.hop-skip-jump.com for more details about the venue and the events.

Greg Jameson
Greg Jameson
Book editor, with an interest in cult TV.

Must Read

Advertisement