Candles, a mysterious forest and a girl who wants to see the stars. The Girl from Wickton is bringing a grown-up Christmas fairy tale to Waterloo, complete with live folk music and a little festive darkness.
In the town of Wickton, the longest night of the year is an excuse for a serious celebration. The locals light their famous candles, dance and chase away the dark. For most of the town, it’s the highlight of winter.
Sixteen-year-old Fia isn’t so sure. She’s never really seen the night sky, and she’d quite like to know what everyone’s so keen to keep out. When she receives unexpected news about her place in the winter festival, she heads for the forest at the edge of town.
What follows is a journey through darkness, danger and a sky full of stars, as Fia discovers what might be waiting beyond the candlelight.
A new festive story from the Lost Library team
Written and directed by Oli Savage, the show comes from the creative team behind The Lost Library of Leake Street. Savage, who won Best Innovation at the Off West End Awards, is transforming the theatre at the newly renamed Lower Marsh Arts Club into Wickton and the world beyond it.
Four actor-musicians will bring the story to life, with an original folk score performed live. It’s billed as a fairy tale for adults, so expect a winter story with shadows among the sparkle.
“We have an impossibly talented cast of four actor-musicians and will be transforming our theatre space into Wickton and beyond,” says Savage. “The space will be filled with folk music and festive magic – and the show is an evergreen reminder that you can’t appreciate light without the dark.”
There’s more happening around the show, too. VAULT Creative Arts is putting together a wider programme of emerging theatre and comedy, plus social and creative activities at the venue. Themed cocktails, mulled wine and mince pies are on the menu for anyone making an occasion of their visit.
Tempted by a trip into the woods? Book tickets for The Girl from Wickton.
The Girl from Wickton runs from 25 November to 23 December 2026 at Lower Marsh Arts Club, 134 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7AE. Nearest stations: Waterloo and Lambeth North. Previews are listed for 25 and 26 November, with press night on 27 November. Performances are generally at 7pm except Tuesdays, with 2pm matinees on Thursdays and Saturdays and additional matinees near Christmas. Tickets are £15 or £18. Check dates and book tickets.
For more festive plans across the capital, explore the GLL Events Diary.
