THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL

THIS Christmas, deep in the frozen forests of Denmark and in the midst of the swirling snowflakes, The Point Youth Theatre presents a story rich with the power of imagination.

High in the trees, those with no home to call their own, listen to a tale of magic – a tale so powerful as to make two worlds collide.

The smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the floorboards, cakes and pastries laden high in the windows – oh yes, the baker’s daughter lives a charmed life.

But things are set to change… one cold night as the soldiers descend The Little Match Girl finds herself whisked from the safety of all she knows and sent on an adventure through foreign lands.

Hans Christian Andersen’s bittersweet tale delicately twists a story full of innocence and hope and wraps it into a festive musical treat, which is given its world premiere at The Point from Thursday until Christmas Eve.

ALADDIN

DR Who number six Colin Baker will star as Abanazar and Channel 5’s Milkshake presenter Derek Moran is Wishee Washee in The Anvil’s Aladdin this Christmas.

Aladdin tells the story of the son of poor washer woman Widow Twankey and brother Wishee Washee. Aladdin is lured into a cave, brimming with jewels, by the wicked Abanazar who wants Aladdin to find an old forgotten lamp.

However, on rubbing the dirty object, Aladdin releases a magical Genie who gives him three wishes.

So begins our hero’s adventures which include riding on a flying carpet and meeting a beautiful Princess.

Aladdin runs in Basingstoke until Sunday January 5.

THE WITCHES

‘MY darling Boy, you won’t last long in this world if you don’t know how to spot a witch when you see one.’ It is only when our young hero goes to live with his fabulous Norwegian Grandmama that he discovers the real truth about real witches.

They don’t ride around on broomsticks, they don’t even wear black cloaks and hats.

They are vile, cunning, detestable creatures who disguise themselves as nice ordinary ladies.

But the Grand High Witch has a terrifying plan to rid England of its children, and it’s up to a wise and wonderful Grandmama to prepare her darling Boy to face the most gruesome gathering of witches ever assembled.

This is the story of courage in the face of a fiendish threat.

Chichester Festival Youth Theatre bring Roald Dahl’s The Witches to the stage this Christmas.

The production, in the Minerva Theatre, runs until Saturday, January 4.