Once Upon a Time It Became Now // Vinterfestuka 2026

In Once Upon a Time It Became Now, old fairy tales are made new again—with heroes, trolls, wise women, and a generous topping of silliness. Three actors—two women and one man—create entire worlds using simple means, showing just how big a small theatre space can become when imagination is given free rein.

And talk about perfect timing: right in the middle of Vinterfestuka’s 70th anniversary, when the whole city celebrates past, present, and future all at once, Teater Joker arrives with a performance that does exactly the same. Here, old stories meet new generations in a show for children aged 4 to 100—and perhaps even a little older, if they dare!

The performance takes place at Verdensteateret—a small, cozy, and perfectly suited venue for an enchanting moment. There will be two performances on the same day: at 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM.

Teater Joker is among Norway’s most playful theatre companies, with nearly 30 years on stage and a suitcase full of awards and travels behind them. They have performed for more than half a million children and young people—and won the Hedda Award for Best Children’s Performance for Brune. Their productions have been staged everywhere from small gymnasiums in Norway to festivals in China, India, and Japan.

Credits:
Concept and direction: Irene Lecomte
Actors: Haakon Strøm, Stine Hemmingsen, and Ingri Enger Damon
Producer: Kari Ramnefjell

Once Upon a Time It Became Now is a fairytale vitamin boost in the middle of the anniversary week—full of laughter, imagination, and stories that remind us that the old fairy tale is still very much alive in the present.