This festive season, Spitalfields Market is hosting Wildefolk Theatre’s family-friendly play The Overcoat, an adaptation of Nikolai Gogol’s short story of the same name. Taking place at 30 Spital Square and running from 30 November until 23 December, the East London destination offers a great backdrop to the production, filled with laughter and Christmas magic. The play is suitable for the whole family and for children over six years old.

The Overcoat is Nikolai Gogol’s classic winter tale that follows a clerk Akaki Akakievich and his journey of saving money for a new coat that later gets stolen. Wildefolk Theatre’s thrilling adaptation (written by Aysil Aksehirli) introduces a comical investigator duo, Sam and Ted, who are hot on the trail of a mysterious thief who is wreaking havoc by stealing overcoats across town.
Viewers can expect buckets of silliness and unstoppable energy, as Sam and Ted dive headfirst into a case that quickly spirals into a heart-pounding journey through the snowy streets of the bustling city. Armed with their trusty magnifying glasses and quick thinking, they’ll need all their wit to solve the case before it’s too late. This visually stunning production will keep audiences on the edge of their seats, while delivering a powerful message about friendship, generosity, and the magic that lies in everyday acts of kindness.

The show is part of Spitalfields Market’s festive activities, with more to be revealed in due course. The destination will also switch its year-round LED lights to festive red and green on Market Street and Lamb Street on Wednesday 13 November, adding to the magic of the season.

Spitalfields is home for over 90 independent traders at Spitalfields Traders Market, offering contemporary and vintage fashion, music, jewellery and accessories (open every day), as well as the Arts Market in Crispin Place, supporting both up-and-coming and established local artists (open Friday – Sunday). The destination also boasts a wide variety of street food vendors on Lamb Street, sit down restaurants, as well as British and international fashion and lifestyle brands on Market Street.