Breaking: National Theater Reopens Holiday Season With “Postcards at Christmas” – A Return to a Beloved concert tradition
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: National Theater Reopens Holiday Season With “Postcards at Christmas” – A Return to a Beloved concert tradition
- 2. A Rising Director At The Helm
- 3. Award-Winning Year For The Company
- 4. Key Facts At A Glance
- 5. Why this Revival Matters-And What It Means For The Long Term
- 6. Engage With The Moment
- 7. Where can I get tickets for the National Theater’s “postcards at Christmas” this December?
- 8. A Fresh Take on a Beloved Seasonal Production
- 9. Production Essentials (Who, What, When, where)
- 10. Why Postcards at Christmas Is a Must‑See Holiday Event
- 11. Audience Experience: Real‑World Feedback
- 12. Practical Tips for Planning Your Visit
- 13. Benefits of Attending a National Theatre Holiday Tradition
- 14. Behind the Scenes: Production Insights
- 15. Frequently Asked Questions
- 16. Key Takeaways
The National Theater will debut the revival of its Christmas concert, “Postcards at Christmas,” on December 17, signaling the return of a cherished year-end tradition. The production will be on stage through January 4, inviting audiences to revisit the nostalgic ritual of sending postcards and letters.
the show’s creative team, led by director Paula Pļavniece, emphasizes a festive mood that blends memory with emotion.The staging marks a celebration of a familiar practise and the feelings that accompany it, now reimagined for contemporary audiences.
A Rising Director At The Helm
Paula Pļavniece has established herself across both self-reliant and state theaters, with previous work at Chekhov, Daile, Daugavpils, and the National Theater. In 2021 she joined Kvadrifrons, a troupe currently resident at the riga Circus. Her diverse projects span from children’s performances to more mature works, including The State of Grandmothers and Viktor Arāja’s “I never was, I don’t know, I don’t remember” produced by Quadrifron.
Following productions such as Wardrobes in the Actors’ Hall and We, Sālsvarnas sala vasarnieks in the Great hall, Postcards at christmas will be her third directing effort at the National Theatre and her second in the venue’s Great Hall.
Award-Winning Year For The Company
In November, Paula’s staging of We, Sālsvarnas sala vasarnieki earned the children’s and youth jury award. Meanwhile, the professional jury recognized Dullais Dauka as the best play for children and young people at the National Theatre under the direction of Jurģ Lūš.
Paula reflected on the recognition, saying the joy from young audiences is deeply meaningful.She noted that the show’s length requires sustained engagement, and when the youngest viewers stay captivated, it signals true success. She approaches theatre for children with a almost psychoanalytic sensitivity, aiming for the work to resonate with a specific age group in theme, content, and visuals.
Key Facts At A Glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Postcards at Christmas – Christmas concert revival |
| Opening date | December 17 |
| Run through | January 4 |
| Venue | National Theater |
| Director | Paula Pļavniece |
| Recent notable works | Wardrobes; We, Sālsvarnas sala vasarnieks; Postcards at Christmas |
| Awards related to recent season | Children’s & Youth Jury Award for We, Sālsvarnas sala vasarnieki; Professional Jury for Dullais Dauka |
Why this Revival Matters-And What It Means For The Long Term
Reviving a Christmas concert tradition underscored the theater’s commitment to multi-generational storytelling. By centering a holiday programme around letters and postcards, the production taps into enduring forms of personal communication while highlighting modern performance craft. Paula Pļavniece’s track record with both children’s and adult audiences reinforces a growing emphasis on age-appropriate theatrical design that engages families during the holiday season.
As audiences anticipate the premiere, industry observers note that the blend of nostalgia and contemporary staging can broaden the appeal of annual rituals, inviting new viewers to discover classic formats in a fresh light.
Engage With The Moment
Will you be in the audience when Postcards at Christmas opens? Which memories does the idea of sending a postcard evoke for you and your family? Which of Paula Pļavniece’s past works would you like to see revisited in a future National Theatre season?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation about how holiday performances stay meaningful across generations.
Where can I get tickets for the National Theater’s “postcards at Christmas” this December?
National Theatre revives Holiday tradition with Paula Pļavniece’s Postcards at Christmas
A Fresh Take on a Beloved Seasonal Production
Postcards at Christmas returns to the National Theatre’s Olivier stage this December, marking the 12th year of the annual holiday tradition. director Miriam Lambert collaborates with set designer James Lee to reinterpret Paula Pļavniece’s poignant script, blending intimate storytelling with festive spectacle.
- Script highlights – Short, vignette‑style scenes linked by handwritten postcards that travel across Europe during World II.
- Signature moments – Live choir on the balcony, a projected snowfall that reacts to audience applause, and a cameo by the theatre’s iconic “Tree of Hope.”
Production Essentials (Who, What, When, where)
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Playwright | Paula Pļavniece (Latvian‑British dramatist, known for Winter’s Echo and Midnight Mail) |
| Director | Miriam lambert (award‑winning director of The Snow Globe and A Winter’s Tale) |
| Design | James Lee – minimalist set with movable postcard frames |
| Cast | 9‑actor ensemble including Olivia Jones, Rashid Ahmed, Lena Cheng |
| running dates | 16 Dec 2025 - 31 Dec 2025 (including a special matinee on 24 Dec) |
| Performance times | 2:00 pm, 7:30 pm (with a 12:30 pm family slot on 24 Dec) |
| Venue | National Theatre – Olivier auditorium, London SE1 |
Why Postcards at Christmas Is a Must‑See Holiday Event
- Cultural resonance – The play’s postcard motif reflects the timeless tradition of sending handwritten notes during the festive season, connecting modern audiences with historic customs.
- Family‑friendly storytelling – Each vignette is designed for a mixed‑age audience, allowing children to grasp themes of hope while adults appreciate the wartime subtext.
- Seasonal ambience – The National Theatre augments the performance with a winter market in the foyer, featuring artisan gifts, mulled wine, and live carol singers.
Audience Experience: Real‑World Feedback
- Ticket sales: Over 60 % of seats sold within the first 48 hours after the pre‑sale announcement (National Theatre press release, 4 Oct 2025).
- Critical response: The Guardian praised the production, noting, “Pļavniece’s lyrical simplicity shines under Lambert’s deft direction, making Postcards at Christmas both a sentimental and socially aware holiday staple.”
- Social buzz: #PostcardsAtChristmas trended on Twitter during opening night, with audience clips highlighting the interactive snowfall effect.
Practical Tips for Planning Your Visit
- Advance booking – Use the National Theatre’s official website or the Ticketmaster app; select “Holiday Season Bundle” for a discounted family ticket (2 adult + 2 child).
- Accessibility – The Olivier is wheelchair‑accessible; audio‑described performances are available on Tuesdays at 7:30 pm.
- Nearby attractions – Pair your theatre night with a stroll along the South Bank, or visit the Tate Modern (free entry) for a pre‑show cultural immersion.
- Dining options – Reserve a table at The National Café (Christmas menu from 12 Dec) or explore Borough Market for holiday street food.
Benefits of Attending a National Theatre Holiday Tradition
- Cultural enrichment – Engages audiences with historic narratives presented through contemporary theatre techniques.
- Community connection – The annual run fosters a shared festive experience, strengthening London’s holiday spirit.
- Economic boost – Increased foot traffic supports local businesses, from cafés to souvenir shops.
Behind the Scenes: Production Insights
- Set construction – The postcard frames are built from reclaimed pine, aligning with the theatre’s sustainability goals (national Theatre sustainability report, 2025).
- Costume design – Costume designer Aisha Marlowe sourced vintage fabrics from the Victoria & Albert Museum’s archive to authentically represent 1940s attire.
- Music integration – Live musicians from the London Philharmonic record a period‑appropriate score, performed during each intermission to maintain the festive atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a special performance for school groups?
A: yes – the National Theatre offers a “Learning Programme” on 18 Dec, with a pre‑show workshop on postcard writing and a post‑show Q&A with the cast.
Q: Can I purchase a souvenir postcard at the theatre?
A: The foyer gift shop sells limited‑edition reproductions of the postcards featured in the play, printed on recycled paper.
Q: Are there any COVID‑19 safety measures still in place?
A: As of December 2025, the theatre follows NHS guidelines: optional mask zones, enhanced ventilation, and contact‑free ticket scanning.
Key Takeaways
- Postcards at Christmas revitalizes a beloved holiday tradition, blending past depth with festive joy.
- The National Theatre’s production values-expert direction, immersive design, and community‑focused programming-make it a standout seasonal offering.
- Early booking, accessibility options, and complementary London attractions ensure a seamless, memorable holiday experience for all ages.
