The Courtyard Children’s Christmas Show, directed by David Durant, returns for its sixth year with The Elves and the Shoemaker, a production created for those who are too little for panto or who are experiencing theatre for the first time.

Audiences can join the little elves as they go on a magical adventure to help recover the poor Shoemaker’s fortune. Will they be the Christmas miracle the Shoemaker so desperately needs?

The show is performed by actors Elisha Covell and Jack Blakey who each play multiple roles, using creative storytelling to encourage children to use their imagination and incorporating interactive puppetry and lots of familiar characters.

“I am very excited to be performing this Christmas in such a wonderful children’s show, bringing families together for this festive period” says Elisha.

For those who may appreciate a less formal theatre experience, a Relaxed Performance is available to book onto on Monday 23 December at 11am. The relaxed performance is open to everyone but may benefit individuals with autism spectrum conditions, learning difficulties or sensory and communication difficulties. Audience members are welcome to leave their seats, make noise and move around as they wish and small changes to the light and sound effects will be made to reduce any anxiety – imagine the opposite of the quiet carriage on a train. A quiet, sensory room will also be provided for audience members to use if they need a break from the performance.

Join The Courtyard for another magical Courtyard Christmas Family show and get to know The Elves and the Shoemaker in this enchanting reworking of a beloved story.

The Elves and the Shoemaker will also be a part of Courtyard Family Saturdays. Audience members are invited to take part in a free, festive pre-activity from 10.30am before the 11am show on Saturday mornings.

The Elves and the Shoemaker will be in The Courtyard’s Studio Theatre to December 31.

To book, call the box office on 01432 340555 or visit courtyard.org.uk