Interview with MADDIE MOATE'S VERY CURIOUS CHRISTMAS' Maddie Moate

1. Where did the inspiration for your show 'Very Curious Christmas' come from?

My inspiration came from wanting to create a science show that was more than just a list of experiments. I wanted to blend interactive panto elements, lovable characters, and music to make a festive family show that everyone could enjoy—no matter their confidence with science. It was so much fun weaving a festive story around experiments that I knew would work perfectly on stage, and creating Christmas characters that felt like the audience had known them their whole lives!

2. You have an extensive career in TV and on YouTube. What is it about creating products for families that you enjoy the most?

When I’m creating anything—whether it’s TV, YouTube videos, or theatre—I always try to think about siblings and multi-generational families. I hope my content can be enjoyed by as many people as possible, without ever feeling patronising or alienating. It’s really important to me to create moments where families can enjoy things together.

I’m so fortunate that people tune in and watch my programmes and videos at home. But I feel my content is at its most successful when I know families have watched something I’ve made and felt inspired to do an activity together, explore something further, or even go on a day trip to somewhere I’ve visited. My content is all about exploring and being curious, so I love it when my audience feels inspired to put their screens down and do just that!

3. How does your show reflect your passion for science communication and making learning fun?

Curious Christmas is all about three friends working together and using science to solve a real problem—and they invite the audience to help and get involved every step of the way.

For me, science shouldn’t just be seen as a school subject or a solo job in a lab. It’s full of fun, curiosity, and teamwork—and that’s exactly what I wanted the show to celebrate. It was really important to me that the audience could directly impact the story, so they felt like they were making a difference, and all the interactive, hands-on elements really help bring that to life!

4. Your production is heading back to the West End, with an Olivier Award nomination already in its pocket - what can audiences expect from its return? Anything new?

It was really important to us that both new and returning audiences experience the same Olivier-nominated show that was such a hit last year. After all, Wicked or Oliver! probably wouldn’t change a song, so we shouldn’t alter our show too much either! That said, we’ve made a few tweaks here and there—adjusting lines, video elements, and some technical bits—to really raise the bar and make it even better this time around.

5. Did you experience any unexpected challenges or surprises whilst developing your show?

I always knew I wanted the show to end with a snowball fight, but I never expected we’d actually be able to make it snow in the theatre! Huge credit goes to the technical team and the support of the theatres for making that magical moment possible.

2024 production of Maddie Moate's Very Curious Christmas. Photo by Mark Senior.

2024 production of Maddie Moate's Very Curious Christmas. Photo by Mark Senior.

6. What do you hope children and their grown-ups take away from the show?

I hope children and their grown-ups leave feeling really happy and full of festive cheer! Our main goal is for everyone to have a fantastic time at the theatre—and for them to walk away feeling extra satisfied that they’ve learned something new along the way.

7. What is one of your favourite moments in the show - without giving too much away?

One of my favourite moments is when we discover that the “Snow Blaster” is terrible at making snow… but REALLY good at capturing gases and blasting them all over the audience!

8. This production is all about Christmas, so what is one of your most special memories of the festive period growing up?

When I was little, I adored Christmas Eve. Laying out stockings, leaving a carrot for Rudolph, and a mince pie for Father Christmas always felt utterly magical. Those little rituals made the holiday feel extra special.

9. Why should families book a ticket to see Very Curious Christmas in the West End this year?

Families should book a ticket to see Very Curious Christmas because it’s a festive, fun-packed adventure full of laughter, music, and hands-on science! It’s a show that everyone can enjoy together—kids, grown-ups, and even grandparents—and it’s guaranteed to spark curiosity, inspire wonder, and get everyone into the Christmas spirit.

Maddie Moate's Very Curious Christmas plays at the Garrick Theatre for select performances from 12 December to 4 January 2026.