Ho... ho... hold on a minute! We’re all used to seeing jolly red-and-white clad Father Christmas at this time of year, but what’s his real story?

In the grand tradition of all the best children’s tales, the big man’s earlier days were darker than you might expect.

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus, which lands at Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot on Monday, is based on the book by the author of the Wizard of Oz, L Frank Baum. The tale follows the incredible adventures of Santa’s early life, from being abandoned in the forest and adopted by wood-nymphs to making and delivering the first Christmas toys.

The production is aimed at visitors aged three to seven and their grown-ups. Adam Bampton-Smith, the show’s writer and director, said: “There are some brilliant characters that I’m sure children will love; Ak, the master woodsman, Necile, the wood nymph and Jack Frost. We’ve got an impressive brand new set, lots of original songs and strong performances from the cast. It’s the perfect Christmas treat for families with young children.”

 

Herald Series:

Andrew Pugsley, Rachael Fletcher-Hudson and Nick
Ash take a sleigh ride

The show, which has won rave reviews for its original music and audience participation, has been produced by Big Wooden Horse, creators of Cornerstone’s hit 2013 Christmas show The Night Before Christmas, along with other children’s favourites favourites including Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus and Aliens Love Underpants.

Fact fans will be pleased to find out that children (and adults) watching the show will finally get answers to all of those timeless Christmas questions such as: why do we hang stockings? When was the first Christmas tree? And why on earth does Santa climb down the chimney instead of using the front door?

Actor Andrew Pugsley said: “The show tells us about how Santa decided to devote his life to children and bring joy to the world.

“We find out how he got his reindeer, why we hang stockings up and why Christmas trees are around.” Festive indeed!

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus is an hour long (without interval) at Cornerstone from Monday to Wednesday, December 15-24. Tickets cost £12, £9 concessions or £35 for a family ticket. To book, visit cornerstone-arts.org or call 01235 515144.

  • We have a sackload of festive prizes to give away to one lucky reader, including a family ticket to see The Life And Adventures of Santa Claus at Cornerstone, Didcot. Just ask your little helper to pose a question for Santa, and email us, together with your name, address and contact number, to lnicholls@nqo.com before 10am on Friday, December 12. The winner will have the chance to pick up a music CD from the cast, as well as a special volume of Frank L Baum’s The Life And Adventures of Santa Claus, direct from Santa live on the Cornerstone stage!