BADAPPLE Theatre, based near York, goes on tour next month with the popular family Christmas show The Elves and The Carpenter.

Written by Kate Bramley, it was a big hit with audiences last year with its mix of theatre, songs, clowning, puppetry, music and animation.

The plot follows the adventures of Mrs Claus who finds mischievous missing Elves hiding among the up-cycling at Mrs Carpenter’s shop. Their attempt to help complete a special Christmas order has not worked as they had hoped, and Mrs Claus must restore order and get them back to the Pole on time.

Ms Bramley said: “This is our seventh year of touring an original family show at Christmas which is a good laugh for grandparents and parents let alone children."

Badapple Theatre Company, one of the most prolific rural touring companies in the UK, aims to take productions to the smallest of rural venues.

Sarah Raine plays Coco and Frances Tither is Biscuit. The show is directed by Richard Kay and Kate Bramley, with original songs and music by Jez Lowe.

Suggested age for children is five and over. Ticket prices vary depending on venue. Dates include: December 9, Belmont Parish Hall, 6pm, 01913 848348; 10, Galphay Village Hall, 6.30pm, 07766 525507 or gvi@galphay.org; 19, Danby Wiske Village, 7.15pm, 01609 771117; 28, Sutton under Whitestonecliffe Village Hall, 7.30pm, 01845 597329; also available from 01423 339168 or badappletheatre.com.