Red, 29th November 2025. Rayne Theatre at Chickenshed, 290 Chase Side, London, N14 4PE until 10 January 2026, 4☆☆☆☆. Review: Mary-Ellen Dyson.

Photo Credit: Leda Omran.

Red, 29th November 2025. Rayne Theatre at Chickenshed, 290 Chase Side, London, N14 4PE until 10 January 2026,

4☆☆☆☆. Review: Mary-Ellen Dyson.

Directed by Michael Bossisse, Bethany Hamlin, Cara McInanny and Jonny Morton. Written by Dave Carey, Ashley Driver and Sebastian Ross. Music by Dave Carey, Phil Haines, Cara McInanny and Áine Smith.

“…expect a fun-filled family afternoon.”

What would you expect from a Chickenshed Christmas musical?

You might expect to be awestruck by the 200-strong cast and the vivacity of their presence. You might expect to be compelled by British Sign Language integration, vividly enhancing the storytelling even for non-signers. You might expect a creative twist on a classic tale. You might expect to leave each act humming a stubbornly sticky show tune. You might expect a story told for the whole family. You might expect to see impressive, synchronised dance routines throughout. You might expect to be astonished by spectacle. You might expect a fun-filled family afternoon.

You will find all of that in Red.

There were some stand-out performances on offer. Courtney Dayes’ signing, shadowing Grandma, stood out for its incredible clarity and fluidity. It was a joy to watch, even as a non-signer. (She’s also a phenomenal dancer!) Cara McInanny, playing Grandma, appeared to relish the opportunity to play such an unadulteratedly evil character, and managed to convey all of Grandma’s horribleness without feeling threatening to a younger audience. Ashley Driver, playing the Woodsman, demonstrated excellent comic timing, and got the biggest laugh of the show. Will Grey, playing Red’s brother, was the show’s brightest rising star. He demonstrated significant acting talent in a small role, and I hope to see him take on bigger parts soon!

Red hits all the marks for a Chickenshed Christmas show. The creators intimately understand Chickenshed’s unique appeal and work hard to bring it to life. In a time where everything is changing, Red is thoroughly, and reassuringly, Chickenshed.

If you’re looking for a fun-filled family outing this Christmas, Red is the show for you.

Principal cast

Grandma – Cara McInanny
Wolf – Michael Bossisse
Red – Jemima Hurndall* | Sophia Kakouris | Maisie Packer | Eva Marriott | Isabel Leonor Rafael Lua
Alex – Poppi Cockburn* | Lyra Jacobs | Pippa Jacob | Jacob Gee | Finley Huckstep
Sam – Will Grey* | Ella Cover | Matthew Brennan | Seren Gee | Matteo Mayor
Chester the Butler – Sebastian Ros
Saliba – Jimmy Adamou
Essjay - Sarah Jones
Dagmær – Demar Lambert
Azren / Woodsman – Ashley Driver
Luminrai – Lauren Cambridge*, Robin Shillinglaw
Wrathmir – Will Laurence
Lyricmaya – Lucy-Mae Beacock
Gaia – Gemilla Shamruk
Nimblewick – Nigel Spurgeon
Core Echoes / Signers – Alex Brennan, Courtney Dayes, Saffire Ellis-Jones, Bethany Hamlin, Georgie Jacobs, Shiloh Maersk, Ellie Morton, Tilly Morton, Mouse O’Hehir, Keran Patel

*Performing in the reviewed performance

Plus, over eight hundred other members!

Creatives include

Directed by – Michael Bossisse, Bethany Hamlin, Cara McInanny, Jonny Morton
Musical Directors – Dave Carey, Phil Haines
Set & Lighting Design – Andrew Caddies
Sound Design – Phil Haines
Costume Design – Emma Gale
Writers – Dave Carey, Ashley Driver, Sebastian Ross
Music by – Dave Carey, Phil Haines, Cara McInanny, Áine Smith
Sign Language Translator – Jay Thomas-Morton
Sign Language Director – Georgie Jacobs, assisted by Lucy-Mae Beacock, Sarah Driver, Ellie Morton