FOR those with children in Basingstoke, Christmas hasn’t really begun until you’ve been to Proteus’ festive show.

Watching Scratchbuilt Production’s annual Christmas theatrical experience has become a family tradition for many in the town, delighting young audiences in the run-up to the big day.

However, you need to think ahead and act quickly if you want tickets, because the popular family show sells out fast.

Over the years word has spread of its brilliance; as a unique and immersive experience for the whole family, capturing young children’s imagination and bringing the magic of Christmas alive.

It is a real festive treat and a highlight of the year. 

This year, families were invited to watch The Christmas Switch, with sell-out performances running right up to Christmas Eve.

The show puts its young audience members at the heart of the story, involving and engaging them throughout as they are taken on an exciting, magical journey.

Our adventure began in an elves’ workshop, where two hilarious elf characters wowed the audience with their magical Christmas powers.

But things were about to go wrong when the elves discovered that someone had accidentally switched off the Christmas magic.

The children were tasked with helping the two elves save the day and ensure Christmas wasn’t cancelled, following them on a magical journey to the North Pole.

The Creation Space at the arts centre was transformed beautifully for the production and children stared in awe as they were led from the elves’ workshop to a magical and enchanting winter wonderland with twinkling lights and snow.

My six-year-old son’s face lit up in wonder when an adorably cute baby yeti was introduced, brought to life through puppetry, before all the children were invited to work together to help turn the Christmas magic back on.

The production was another joy to watch, and certainly put us all in the Christmas spirit.

If you missed out on tickets this year, you don’t have to wait another year to enjoy the top-class performances that Proteus has to offer. We are lucky to have this award-winning theatre company in Basingstoke, offering a packed programme of dynamic and relevant theatre throughout the year.

This includes another immersive summer show for families being held in 2023 called Fairy Finders. But don’t forget to look out in advance when tickets go on sale for the July 29 and 30 show, because it is likely to sell out just as fast.

For more information visit proteustheatre.com/whats-on/.