Theatre and Drama

After a three-week sleep, Lyme’s grand mansion reopens to the public on Friday 29 November with a raucous winter experience for all ages.

This year, Lyme transforms into festive winter playground for all ages from November 29th as the interactive Animal Crackers exhibition returns for another year. This year the animals are exploring winter traditions with firm favourites and new animals joining the fun too. Nearly all the animals in the exhibit can be found at Lyme: most notably the red deer, which were inspired by Lyme’s medieval deer herd and can be seen on a walk throughout the estate.

As visitors pass through the different rooms, they will see Lyme like never before – with larger-than-life animals exploring winter traditions. Find a turkey sitting at the table for dinner or brown bear hibernating in bed, ready for Christmas to start.

The house is filled with interactive fun and games for all ages too. Visitors can pick up a microphone and sing their hearts out in the clock room or play pin the tail on the hare and other parlour games in the Library.

These wild creations are conceived and created by local Stockport-based artist Sophie Tyrrell, whose signature style incorporates bold colour and recycled materials. She says “I have brought a circus of creatures who, in the tradition of carnival and masquerade, bring my own form of creative mischief. I encourage visitors to celebrate the handmade, joy in the imperfect, laugh, play and sing together!”

Many of the decorations which deck the halls are handmade by Lyme’s staff, volunteers, and community groups from every day recycled or donated materials. Outside of the house, Crow Wood near the Timberyard will feature a collection of community trees, decorated by local primary schools and organisations across Disley and the surrounding area.

Meghan MacGabhann, Lyme’s Experiences and Visitor Programming Manager said, “At Lyme, Christmas has always been a time for traditions. Many of our visitors come here every year for family gatherings, walks, and to enjoy Lyme’s beautiful landscape in winter. This year with Animal Crackers the whole family can experience winter traditions in a new and interactive way. We’re also looking forward to welcoming community choirs – who will be giving carol concerts throughout December – and, of course, our popular afternoon teas – which will also be taking on a festive twist.”

Festive afternoon teas will include a selection of sweet treats and sandwiches made from local produce, and there are limited tables available to book online.

Lyme’s Animal Crackers II opens Friday 29 November and is open every day of the week until 24 December. Standard admission charges apply, National Trust Members are free. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme or call 01663 762023.