The Reluctant Dragon is the Marlowe’ s new original family show, which provides the perfect introduction to theatre for young children this Christmas. The engaging and interactive production promises young theatregoers a magical first experience of live theatre, while ensuring fun and laughter for all the family.

When a fairytale-obsessed child discovers a real-life dragon living in a nearby cave, panic spreads throughout the village. But, instead of a fierce and fire-breathing monster, the child gets to know a friendly and flamboyant creature who loves to perform poetry and bask in the sunshine.

To save the dragon from St. George the Dragon-Slayer and outsmart the village’ s dastardly Mayor, the new friends must mastermind a cunning plan. Can a charming dragon, a noble knight and one clever child manage to trick the village,

challenge perceptions and prove that not all dragons are monsters?

This beloved story by Kenneth Grahame( The Wind in the Willows) serves as the source material for this enchanting adaptation full of laughter, music and heart. The brand-new show features book and lyrics by Samson Hawkins( Village Idiot), music by Joey Hickman( The Snow Queen) and direction by Lucy Wray( Fertile, Celebrate).

This original musical from Marlowe Theatre Productions is made right here in Kent, crafted especially for audiences across the South East. The production was developed from workshops with local children who gave feedback on the show as it took shape, sharing their own ideas on the musical’ s plot, characters and themes.

The Reluctant Dragon follows the Marlowe’ s first original musical, My Pet Star, which premiered at the theatre in December 2024.

Speaking about the brand-new show, Millie Brierley, senior producer at the Marlowe Theatre, said:“ Building on

the recent success of My Pet Star- the Marlowe’ s first new musical- we’ re delighted to be introducing a new generation of young audiences to the wit and warmth of Kenneth Grahame’ s The Reluctant Dragon this Christmas.”

Talking about the creative team for this new production, Brierley continued:“ Our latest new writing commission will bring together three artists- Samson Hawkins, Joey Hickman and Lucy Wray- whose work we’ re really excited about. I can’ t wait to see what magic they create together along with the rest of the creative team. We love being part of families’ festive traditions at the Marlowe. This is one not to be missed.”

Expect catchy songs and a story guaranteed to warm your heart this Christmas.

The Reluctant Dragon runs at the Marlowe Theatre Studio from Saturday 5 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. Please head to the website for tickets.

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