A Merry Misrule Review
Battersea Arts Centre has once again set the bar high for festive family theatre with the return of the brilliant Wild Rumpus with A Merry Misrule. This brand-new immersive adventure is running now to 24 December 2025 and has transformed the BAC’s beautiful spaces into a magical playground of storytelling, mischief and seasonal wonder.
Following the much-loved success of The Holly King and The Oak King, A Merry Misrule sees director Hal Chambers return to helm another fully interactive experience, inviting audiences aged 3+ to step inside the story. Families are guided through an immersive theatrical trail, encountering a cast of unruly festive folklore characters inspired by Yuletide traditions from across Europe. With chaos threatening the most wonderful time of the year, it’s up to the audience led by the rousing Resistance Rabbit to restore peace, joy and harmony.
I went with my mum, dad and twins who are way too young to know what was happening but we all throughly enjoyed it. Even my grumpy dad got involved and became a “rebel” in the storyline.
Wild Rumpus’ signature blend of imagination, play and participation is brought to life by an exceptional creative team, including Lighting Designer Greg Akehurst, and Creative Directors Rowan Cannon (Set and Costume Design) and Liz Pickering. Together, they have created a magical world where even the smallest voices can make a big difference. And boy did they! We had some great kids in our production who uttered one of the most cutest lines telling the actors that “Christmas isn’t about getting, it’s about giving”… We all awe’d at that and laughed with the same kid told also told Rabbit he’d love him even if he did something really bad.
The festive magic doesn’t stop there. Also until 24th December 2025, the much-loved Santa’s Grotto also returns to BAC, offering children a truly special moment to share their Christmas wish with Santa himself and, of course, leave with a gift and their name added to the nice list.
Joyful, imaginative and brimming with festive mischief, A Merry Misrule looks set to become an unmissable Christmas tradition for families. Tickets are on sale now and is one festive experience you won’t want to miss. So join, Rabbit,Pigeon and Mouse on a cute Christmas adventure before it’s too late.
LISTINGS
Battersea Arts Centre and Wild Rumpus present
A Merry Misrule
Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN
Dates: 29 November – 24 December
Box office: 020 7223 2223
Booking link: bac.org.uk/whats-on/a-merry–
Tickets from £15 (Previews 29-30 Nov Pay What You Can)
Age guidance: 3+
Press Performances: Fri 3 – Sat 6 December
Santa’s Grotto
Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays 6 – 14 December
Weekdays and Weekends 19 – 24 December
Box office: 020 7223 2223
Booking link: bac.org.uk/whats-on/santas-
Tickets £15 per child (£12.50 when booked with A Merry Misrule). Accompanying adults free
Age guidance: all ages welcome
