TAKE a large spoonful of glorious vocal harmony, place on a well-lit York stage and apply a dollop of original, intelligent songs of the season.

Then add traditional English Christmas songs and carols, stir in a dash of humour and a pinch of pantomime and sprinkle with magic-dust. Finish off with audience participation and serve hot at the National Centre for Early Music, in Walmgate, on Monday evening.

These festive flavours can be savoured in the company of West Yorkshire folk trio Artisan in their 2003 Christmas show, Stuff The Turkey.

Jacey Bedford, songwriter Brian Bedford and Hilary Spencer formed Artisan in 1984 and have performed the Artisan Christmas Show each year since 1989. Last year's show toured Canada, as well as British arts centres and theatres; this year's itinerary has expanded still more to take in eight performances in the United States, from Seattle to Washington DC, and a first Christmas visit to York, promoted by the Black Swan Folk Club.

Club organiser Roland Walls says: "These days the Artisan Christmas Show is centred on specially written songs by Brian Bedford - some funny, some thoughtful, some romantic - about the trials, tribulations and traditions of the modern Christmas.

"Some favourite old carols and Christmas songs are still included, and with the band's use of costumes and props, there's certainly a strong hint of pantomime humour."

Artisan have just released their fifth Christmas album - their 12th in all - entitled Silver And Gold on the Bedspring label. A carol-free zone, the new recordings include Bedford's tale of a little boy abandoning the traditional method of writing to Father Christmas in favour of sending him an e-mail, and an account of trying to catch the last train home on Christmas Eve, co-written with Barnsley bard Ian McMillan.

The title track reflects on the contrast between the cosy Christmas to be enjoyed in Britain, and the "pretty rough time" being experienced by people in the land where the Christmas story began.

Tickets for Monday's 7.30pm concert - the final night of Artisan's Christmas tour - are available at £10, concessions £8, on 01904 658338 or in person from Cassadys Records, Gillygate. The support act will be the Black Swan Folk Club's resident songwriter, Stan Graham.

Updated: 15:07 Thursday, December 18, 2003