Snowy Joy & the Toysavers – Festive Edition
Colchester Arts Centre
Monday 22 December 2025

Tickets £7 / £6
Family Ticket £22 (admits 4 people, at least one of whom must be a child).
Doors open 1.30pm, show starts 2pm.
This show is for a seated audience.

Book tickets at colchesterartscentre.ticketsolve.com.

Donate a ticket: There is a Pay It Forward option for this show. You can choose to purchase tickets for families that may not be in a position to afford a ticket to see this wonderful show. Please email ticketing@colchesterartscentre.com to be in line to receive Pay It Forward tickets.

This show is recommended for those aged 6 years and older. This is a seated show.

Based on the children’s book Snowy Joy by Nigerian-British author Sade Fadipe and adapted for stage by Margaret’s Music Ltd, the production combines drama, music, and dance in a joyful celebration of family, kindness, resilience, and community.

At the heart of the story is Adanah, a lively tween from Lagos, Nigeria, who is overjoyed at her first winter holiday in England. With snow topping her bucket list, audiences are swept into her adventure of wonder, hope, and discovery.

Directed by Margaret Omoniyi, the performance showcases young talent from the former Community360 Children’s Book Club, initiated by Godwin Daudu (AfiUK), with Sade Fadipe as resident author and Dee Lana as Storyteller. Adding festive rhythm and flair is Julia Obasa, founder of Afromoves, whose multi-genre dance collaborations bring colour, energy, and cultural vibrancy to the stage.

This uplifting community production is supported by Rebreate CIC, an organisation set up to support parents with children who have learning and developmental challenges, further reinforcing the show’s themes of inclusivity, resilience, and togetherness.

Audiences can expect a magical afternoon in one of Colchester’s most cherished venues, celebrated for its intimate atmosphere and historic charm. A perfect Christmas outing for families, community groups, and anyone looking to experience the magic of storytelling, music, and dance this festive season.

“Each year, I am humbled by the energy and commitment that make Snowy Joy & The Toysavers possible. Every performance is a testament to inclusivity and the belief that the arts should be accessible to all (a perception shared with, and upheld by our incredible director: Margaret’s Music Ltd ) no matter their background, ability, or circumstance. That’s what makes this show so special.”

Sade Fadipe

Listen to Sade Fadipe discuss the stage adaptation of her book Snowy Joy with Akylah Rodriguez on BBC Essex Radio (broadcast 4 Dec 2025, available to listen again until 3 Jan 2026).

Listen here.

The post Snowy Joy & the Toysavers – Festive Edition appeared first on Essex Book Festival.

About the Event:

Based on Snowy Joy (2019) written by Sade Fadipe (an Essex-based children’s author) and adapted for stage by Margaret’s Music Ltd, this vibrant production is a captivating fusion of drama, music, and dance, exploring themes of family, kindness, resilience, refuge, dignity, and community.

Adanah, a lively tween from Lagos, Nigeria, is overjoyed about her first-ever winter holiday to England. With snow topping her bucket list, she’s ready for the adventure of a lifetime. But her plans take an unexpected twist when she stumbles upon Khindamah – The Land of Broken Toys. Here, Adanah reflects on all she has left behind, until she comes face to face with the displaced children of Khindamah, paving the way for the heartwarming tale of the Toysavers.

Directed by Margaret Omoniyi and performed by Community360 Children’s Book Club, Sade Fadipe (its resident author), and motivational speaker and author Dee Lana, the production also features vibrant and inclusive dance performances by Afromoves, Colchester, choreographed by Julia Obasa and her dance group.

Perfect for audiences across generations—from the 60s to the present—and recommended for ages 6 and above, this unforgettable experience will leave hearts warmed and spirits lifted.

Snowy Joy and the Toysavers
Doors 1:30pm, Show at 2pm
Standard: £7, Concessions: £6, Family ticket (for 4 people – at least one child): £22
This show is recommended for those aged 6 years and older

Donate a ticket: There is a Pay It Forward option for this show. You can choose to purchase tickets for families that may not be in a position to afford a ticket to see this wonderful show.
Please email ticketing@colchesterartscentre.com to be in line to receive Pay It Forward tickets.
This show is recommended for those aged 6 years and older

This is a seated show.

Book tickets: Colchester Arts Centre website

Credits

Artists:
Director & Co-Producer, Margaret Omoniyi (Margaret’s Music Ltd)
Author & Co-Producer, Sade Fadipe
Choreographer, Julia Obasa (Afromoves, Colchester)
Illustrators, Tayo Fatunla & Shedrach Ayalomeh
Text, Illustration and Publishing Copyrights: Sade Fadipe

Community Engagement:
Mr Godwin Daudu, (Engagement Officer and Co-ordinator, Community 360 Children’s Book Club).
Mrs Arit Akpan, (Director, Re-Breath CIC, Colchester).

Supported by: Colchester Arts Centre.

The post Snowy Joy and the Toysavers – get ready for an unforgettable experience appeared first on Essex Book Festival.