FOREST Forge Theatre and Bumblefly Theatre Company have joined forces again this year in a magical collaboration to bring a very Christmassy tour of “The Elves and the Shoemaker” to venues throughout the New Forest and beyond.

The Elves and the Shoemaker is one of our favourite stories adapted by David Haworth, weaving, stitching and shoe horning in the other traditional tales!

Business is slow for the shoemaker and his wife, their shoes aren’t exactly walking out of the door and just when they are wondering what to do, something magical happens.

This exciting production offers storytelling at its best. The shoemaker is mixed with other fairytales old and new; the shop is visited by Prince Charming, Puss in Boots and the Wicked Witch of the West and many more! Can the shoemaker provide footwear to match the Emperor’s New Clothes? And how do you make a glass slipper? Perhaps with a pinch of magic and some friendly elves!

Sharon Lawless, CEO/Creative Producer at Forest Forge Theatre said: “I am delighted that Forest Forge has teamed up with Bumblefly to bring you another magical Christmas show following the delightful Hansel and Gretel tour last year. Community is at the heart of what we do and bringing theatre directly to audiences across the New Forest region is an important part of our work. Forest Forge is passionate about forging links with artists and companies such as Bumblefly to form inspired collaborations. It has been a real joy to work with Dom and David on this show."

Dom Phillips, Artistic Director at Bumblefly added: “Other Christmas shows may have lavish scenery and Soap Opera stars, but Bumblefly and Forest Forge like to produce good, honest, seriously funny shows that reach out to the 'sole' of the community. I hope you enjoy the products of our work as much as we enjoyed making it. Any way, enough of this cobblers as the shop is just about to open!”

For further information and full touring schedule go to: www.forestforgetheatre.co.uk and www.bumbleflytheatre.co.uk