YORK theatre company Riding Lights are on the road with two festive shows, Nigel Forde’s joyous cavalcade, Only 80 Miles To Christmas!, and Antony Dunn’s feather-flying tale of the first Christmas, Goose Chase.

Directed by Paul Birch, Forde’s one-hour play is a high-spirited re-telling of the traditional Nativity story, suitable for five year olds and upwards with its combination of story-telling, chaos, puppets and unexpected twists.

“You'd think it would be simple enough: one carpenter, on his own, pops down to Bethlehem to register for the census; an easy enough trip. No problem. But Mary wants to come too,” says Nigel, introducing his warm-hearted play. “Suddenly the journey takes on a new life, full of travel cots and squeaky toys, terrifying traffic wardens and Persian philosophers, not to mention a wildly mischievous camel called Desmond.

“Luckily, Joseph plans a motorised marvel to remove some of the ‘donkey work’ from the trip. All that’s left is to count down the miles to Christmas – and you’d think that would be simple enough!”

Only 80 Miles To Christmas! is touring primary schools, churches and arts venues until December 22 before heading home to Friargate Theatre, Lower Friargate, York, on December 23 for performances at 11am, 2pm and 4pm.

Goose Chase, Antony Dunn’s tale of mystery with magical glimpses into the heart of the very first Christmas, is a “startling reworking” of a Russian folk story.

“In the depth of a Russian winter, what on earth could make frail old Baboushka cross hundreds of miles of snow on foot?” asks Antony. “And why is she armed only with a feather duster and a set of Russian dolls?

“Is it the whispers of revolution, fuelled by Igor, the oppressed singer and stable hand? Or could it be the birth of a harmless baby, the one that’s got King Herod in a really foul temper? Whatever the reason, the closer Baboushka comes to the end of her mission, the more it seems the only person she can trust is, well, a goose, because not everyone racing to find the baby is bringing gifts.”

Directed by Riding Lights artistic director Paul Burbridge, Dunn’s 60-minute play combines riotous humour, excitement and warmth with traditional songs and carols and is touring North Yorkshire schools, churches and venues until December 23.

Closest to home, this show for five year olds and upwards will be performed at St Michael le Belfrey Church, York, on Saturday at 2pm.

Visit ridinglights.org/christmas for a full tour schedule and booking details for each play. Tickets for Forde’s play on December 23 are on sale on 01904 613000; Goose Chase, on Saturday, 01904 624190.

Goose Chase itinerary: Saturday, December 14, 2pm, Galtres Centre, Market Place, Easingwold; box office, 01347 822472. December 14, 7pm, St Edward the Confessor Church, Tadcaster Road, York; 01904 709111.

Saturday, December 21, 2pm, St James's Green Methodist Church, St James's Green, Thirsk; 01845 523890. December 21, 7pm, Catton Village Hall, Main Street, Low Catton; 01759 373424.

Monday, December 23, 2pm, Burniston Methodist Church, High Street, Burniston; 01223 820484. December 23, 7pm, St Andrew's Church, Huntington Road, Huntington; 01904 768006.