This Christmas, The Storm Whale is enchanting Nottingham families at Lakeside Arts, bringing Benji Davies' beloved books to life with warmth, charm, and plenty of surprises. To give you a peek behind the curtain, we caught up with the cast – Charlotte Wood (Flo), Hannah-Marie Payal (Noi), and Richard Lounds (Dad) – to ask them a round of quick-fire questions.
Tell us three things about yourself!
Charlotte (Flo):
- I have a fear of geese! And I’m from York, so both here and at home, I have to face my fears every day. It’s not easy—they’re everywhere!
- I was named after Charlotte the spider in Charlotte’s Web.
- When I’m not acting, I have lots of jobs, including being a part-time princess.
Hannah (Noi):
- I love dogs.
- Like Noi, I also absolutely love the beach.
- Mac and cheese is my favourite dinner – so comforting!
Richard (Dad):
- I grew up in Nottinghamshire, so it’s wonderful to be performing close to home.
- I’m not really a fisherman, but I am a very good swimmer.
- I once sang for a Queen (and a princess too)!
What is your favourite Christmas food?
Charlotte (Flo): Quality streets, of course! I particularly like the red and orange ones.
Hannah (Noi): Yule log. It’s not Christmas without one.
Richard (Dad): Pigs in blankets – absolutely delicious!
What’s your Christmas wish this year?
Charlotte (Flo): My Christmas wish is that every child gets a peace-filled Christmas. We must remember how lucky we are to be safe and warm at this time of year.
Hannah (Noi): I’d love to get a dog in the new year!
Richard (Dad): That everyone has full bellies and somewhere warm to stay this Christmas, and all year round.
Tell us your best Christmas joke!
Charlotte (Flo): What’s the difference between the Christmas alphabet and the ordinary alphabet? The Christmas alphabet has no ‘L’s.
Hannah (Noi): What do you call a woodland animal that falls from the sky? A rain-deer
Richard (Dad): What does a snowman have for breakfast? Frosties!
What’s your favourite line in The Storm Whale?
Charlotte (Flo): “That beautiful red and white lighthouse, that I always imagined, always dreamed, always HOPED would taste of… strawberries!”
Hannah (Noi): “It’s okay to be on your own as long as you’re not lonely.”
Richard (Dad): “There’s a whale in the bath!”
Who is your favourite character in The Storm Whale?
Charlotte (Flo): My favourite character is Sandwich, the cat! He’s so underrated. You can tell he loves Noi and Dad so much, and he’s clearly a big part of the family.
Hannah (Noi): Stormy (the whale), of course!
Richard (Dad): Sandwich the cat. He’s the quiet star of the show.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss The Storm Whale
We loved getting to know the cast and hearing their favourite bits of the show. It is clear this team is full of fun, warmth, and festive cheer – exactly what you’ll find in The Storm Whale.
After you’ve seen the show, don’t forget to check out our Storm Whale-themed installation, created by talented Year 3 pupils from Djanogly Strelley Academy, with the direction from Nottingham-based theatre designer Hannah Boothman. Kids can colour on a boat-shaped table, spot six hidden cats in the theatre, and admire a miniature lighthouse.
With heart-warming songs, enchanting puppetry, and a story that resonates with audiences of all ages, The Storm Whale is the perfect family treat this Christmas.
The Storm Whale runs until Sunday 5 January 2025 at Lakeside Arts. Tickets are selling fast, so book now and bring your little ones for an unforgettable festive adventure!
The cast’s choreography, dialogue and singing blend seamlessly."
