THERE is room for all sorts of Christmas shows in the theatrical universe and this well-paced, clever production is a wonderful, more classic, alternative to glitzier pantomime fare.

It’s an origins tale, performed by three industrious actors, which begins and ends with the opening and closing of a book, beautifully communicating to young children that they should gather around, as a story is about to be told.

Basingstoke Gazette:

Said tale is, of course, the origins of the man who became known to the world as Santa Claus. Big Wooden Horse and Arts Depot take us through his early life, when he was discovered as a baby and raised by the immortals, before he became the creature of legend he now is.

Along the way, they touch on the elements we now accept as part of the Christmas tradition. Thus, this boy is named Claus, he discovers a skill for making toys and celebrates his affinity with children, before giving his creations away for free.

He then develops a transport system to get these presents to the children of the world and is helped by the immortals to get it all done on one specific night when flying reindeer can be spared.

And, as time goes on, he appreciates the use of stockings on hearths and gives the first Christmas tree to a family. It is cleverly added to the side of the stage, complete with its own lights.

The great skill of this production is how it celebrates simple playing with props – the key ingredients of the show are located in boxes on the stage, which evolve into every necessary bit of staging the actors might need.

The vivacity and adaptability of the performers ensures that they utterly convince as they don a prop, deliver one of the charming songs or pretend to fly through the night sky.

Andrew Pugsley is a constant as Claus, garnering lots of laughs as a stroppy teen before evolving into the figure of legend.

Around him whirl Nick Ash and Rachel Fletcher-Hudson, populating Santa’s world with fantastic characters and ramping up the quotient of fun, ensuring that the attention of younger theatregoers is retained.

The latter are also involved throughout, encouraged to shout responses at one point, and to join in with the Ho Ha Ho song at another. 

When the trio combined to put the sleigh together on stage and then ‘took off’ into the starry sky, our four year-old leaned over to me and whispered simply, ‘It’s magic!’.

Tickets are available from the box office on 01256 844244 or online at anvilarts.org.uk.