This Christmas, Farnham Maltings is bringing a beloved Beatrix Potter tale to life as a musical adventure with live music, puppetry and a good helping of cheese puns. After a winter tour of theatres, libraries and village halls across the Southeast, the show returns to the Great Hall.

We caught up with Katy Potter, as Executive Producer to find out how it all came together. Take a look as Katy answers all our

What was it like watching The Tailor of Gloucester grow from a conversation into a show that will play both at the Maltings and go on tour?

This is always exciting. The idea started as a brief conversation over lunch back in 2024. Ideas for re-creating the story as a musical grew between us as a producing team, and it was exciting to bring on Alex and Darren as creative partners.

What can audiences expect from a Beatrix Potter reimagining?

This is a musical adventure story. Audiences can expect live music, cute and funny puppetry, fantastic songs written by a world-class composer and lyricist, and a cracking cast. Oh, and lots of laughs along the way.

What was the process of bringing music to a classic children's tale? What can we expect from the music?

The music is at the heart of the story. We always imagined our family of mice a bit like a family pop group. The music is inspired by 1980s classics, Avril Lavigne, big ballads and even a touch of Lady Gaga. Importantly, it's a big mix: fun and catchy, making you want to get up and throw some moves, and at other times really quite emotional.

What was it like working with double Olivier Award-winning composer Darren Clarke?

We've worked with Darren on several projects now and it always feels fun and collaborative. He has a genuine interest in creating musical projects for communities and families, so it was easy to share our ambitions for the show.

Colour is a big part of the show. Can you describe it in three colours?

Ooh, I'd go for starting a little grey but building to beautiful blue sky and hot pink!

How do you think audiences will respond to a colourful mix of live music, a heartwarming story about community and a handful of cheese puns?

I think the audience will sit back and enjoy a feast of great music. They may be surprised by how quickly they feel for our band of rodents, and hopefully they'll join in and giggle along with the cheesiness.

The show will spend weeks on the road for a winter tour. What's it like performing to so many different audiences across the Southeast?

We're taking this show to a mix of theatres, libraries and village halls. I expect it will feel different every time, and that's the fun of it: seeing the show morph and change in its different locations.

How will the show adapt for the Farnham Maltings stage?

This has been part of the plan from the outset. The show has been built to tour to small venues and then evolve for our Great Hall. The set will grow and our movement with it, but ultimately the adventure remains the same.

The show has a lively cast of characters, both human and puppet. What was it like bringing the puppets to life?

It takes careful thought and planning. We're lucky that Pete Glanville, our CEO, is a puppet director, so he popped into rehearsal and helped us bring breath and mischief to our puppets.

Any sneak peeks at the puppets? Who can we expect on stage?

Well, at the start, a very hungry and grumpy cat and some super cute and brave mice!

What do you hope will be the biggest takeaway?

That families have enjoyed a fun, beautifully crafted theatre experience in their local area which has genuinely had something for every family member, not just the children!

Community is central to the story. How has that shaped the way you engage with local audiences on tour and at Farnham Maltings?

Community has been considered from the outset of making this show. We think carefully about how different ages will experience the work, and about each of the venues we visit. The central theme of the story, putting others or your local community before personal ambition and greed, is key to this.

What are you most excited to see come to the stage in the final piece?

Oh, gosh, just the whole thing! Everything has been carefully crafted to make one show, so this is definitely one piece of cheese to be enjoyed in its entirety. Can't wait!