NOT everyone is ready for a full-scale pantomime but nevertheless parents may be looking for a shorter alternative. If so, here is The Night Before Christmas, a 50-minute show for two to six-year-olds, written by Robert Alan Evans and directed by Amy Leach.
The Courtyard looks a picture in Amelia Jane Hankin's design: the exterior and interior of a little house with a multitude of ladders above it and spinning mirror balls for magical lighting effects by James Whiteside.
James Barrett as Roger and Rose Wardlaw as Carol in The Night Before Christmas. Picture: Amy Charles
Rose Wardlaw's Carol is not as Christmassy as her name; no tree, no tinsel for her, and straight into the bin goes neighbour Roger's kind present of a Christmas pudding. However, when James Barrett's novice, errant Elf 30046 falls down her chimney, so begins a Christmas Eve adventure of discovery in this enchanting, humorous story of friendship, ladder climbing and learning the true spirit of Christmas.
Wardlaw and Barrett, in his two roles, delight and amuse the young audience, quickly establishing a rapport and bringing oodles of energy to the songs too, and the ending could not be more uplifting.
The Night Before Christmas, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds, until January 2. Box office: 0113 213 7700 or at wyp.org.uk. Suitable for ages two to six.
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