Beverley’s creative and sporting communities are joining forces this Christmas as Beverley Town Football Club and She Productions celebrate a brand-new local collaboration, with a football-loving Beaver leading the way!
As part of She Productions’ 10 year anniversary celebrations, the Beverley-based theatre charity is bringing back its much-loved family musical The Fairy Who Fell Off The Christmas Tree, the first family show they created in partnership with East Riding Libraries in 2021.
This year’s reimagined production introduces a country and western Beaver puppet band – designed by local puppet and set designer Emily Clay – featuring Eager Beaver, Bev & Leigh (The ‘BevLeigh Sisters’), and their headliner, Justin Beaver. Together, they spread an important message about repairing, reusing, and up-cycling, reminding audiences that it’s about being present, not the presents, especially at Christmas.
In a perfect local twist, Beaver Leigh, the band’s biggest football fan, will proudly wear an official Beverley Town FC kit throughout the tour. The collaboration celebrates the shared team spirit, creativity, and community pride at the heart of both the football club and the theatre company; two proud Beverley Town Council partners.
Alison Healy, Mayor of Beverley, and Beverley Town Council’s ambassador for She Productions, said:
“Beverley Town Council works in partnership with several incredible community organisations. This includes financial support from the Council, but it’s also about bringing these town partners together to support each other.
The collaboration between Beverley Town FC and She Productions is an inspiring example of how community partners, with the support of Beverley Town Council, can come together to spread joy in our town, and I am truly delighted to see this happening. It’s all about community, and it’s what makes Beverley the wonderful place we all cherish.”
Gary Proud, Beverley Town Football Club Secretary, said:
“Beverley Town FC has always been about bringing people together, on and off the pitch. Seeing our Beavers inspiring a theatre show is something really special. It’s great to see sport and the arts celebrating the same community spirit that makes Beverley such a great place to live.”
Annie Kirkman, Co-Artistic Director at She Productions, said:
“As soon as we created our band of Beaver puppets, we knew we had to partner with Beverley Town FC, and we’re so fortunate they said yes! It gives Beaver Leigh’s character a real-world, local connection, and celebrates everything we love about creating theatre for, and about, our community.”
The partnership also marks a shared commitment to giving back to the local community. Beverley Town Council has funded three free school performances as part of The Fairy Who Fell Off The Christmas Tree tour, ensuring even more local children can enjoy live theatre this festive season.
The show is in partnership with East Riding Libraries and will visit libraries, schools, and community venues across Hull and East Yorkshire, reaching over 3,300 people. Through She Productions’ Pay It Forward campaign, an additional 1,500 free tickets will be gifted to children and families who might otherwise miss out, alongside the launch of a brand-new picture book adaptation of the story.
The project is supported by Arts Council England, Beverley Town Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, I AM Fund, Horncastle Family Foundation, Guest & Philips, Morco Products, Neill & Brown Global Logistics, and Beverley Town FC.
