PATRICK Sandford directs a thrilling retelling of the greatest pirate story of them all at The Nuffield from Thursday.

Based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island is an unforgettable tale of treachery and mayhem featuring a host of legendary swashbucklers!

Join young Jim Hawkins on an expedition across the ocean to recover a fortune in plundered gold. But watch out as fair winds and favourable seas soon give way to mutiny, bloodthirsty buccaneers and danger at every turn!

Patrick Sandford looks forward to directing his 24th Nuffield Christmas production, “Treasure Island is the most riotous of all the Christmas shows, with wonderful music and all-of-the-fights-in-the-book rolled into one – plus a few calypso singing parrots!

“This really is a Christmas show that’s full of fun – come and help us find the treasure – we can promise you gold on stage!”

The Nuffield’s Christmas show opens with a series of previews and then runs until January 13.

ENJOY a magical adaptation of Midnight is a Place as Forest Forge tour their annual winter production.

Based in Ringwood, the company have chosen to present the story by award-winning children’s author Joan Aiken – at village halls and theatres across Hampshire this December.

Midnight is a Place follows a young boy called Lucas and his new friend Anna-Marie, who live under the stewardship of Sir Randolph, owner of a dangerous carpet factory.

When a mysterious fire forces them onto the street they face danger at every turn. Surviving in the snow can be a tricky business, but Lucas and Anna- Marie’s friendship helps them discover what is needed to build a happy home and how a pie (yes, a pie!) can change family history.

The performance will take audiences on a magical journey from the Midnight Court mansion to a dark and sinister carpet mill and then underground into the sewers of the town of Blastburn.

Midnight is a Place opens on Thursday at Brockenhurst Village Hall before embarking on its tour of the county.

CBeebies longest-serving presenter Sid Sloane is due to make the jump from screen to stage this autumn, when he embarks on a nationwide tour of his brand-new, fun-filled show which promises to knock audiences’ socks off!

Follow Sid as he sets out on an heroic quest to find out where in the world his favourite socks and shoes have gone… share in adventures to the bottom of the ocean, deep jungle and outer space.

Meet an array of funny characters and discover plenty of surprises along the way! This interactive show is crammed with games, songs, magic guaranteed to put a smile on faces.

n Sid’s Show is at Winchester Discovery Centre on Sunday.