A Russian tale set in the cold winter promises to be a heart-warmer.

Playwright Emma Reeves, who recently adapted Jacqueline Wilson’s Hetty Feather, which has been on tour across the country, has now turned her attention to Snow Child – a magical story about family, love and the power of dreams.

Twice nominated for the Writers’ Guild Awards, her TV credits include Tracy Beaker Returns and The Dumping Ground.

The show will be on stage at the Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury from Tuesday, December 8, to Sunday, December 20.

The first snow falls and, watching the village children play, a lonely couple yearn for a child of their own. They build a small figure from the ice and snow and wish very, very hard… and their longing brings the magical snow child to life.

She’s a girl like no other. As she dances in the wild landscape and talks with the animals, she brings joy to the whole village, but will there be a happily ever after for the family?

Emma said of the production: “I could see how it could form the basis of a show which addressed fundamental questions about parents and children and, generally, what it means to be human.

“Like all the best legends, there are many versions available, some of which end happily, others not so much.

“But the central story is always there – two parents who yearn for a child so much that their very love and desperation wills her into being, and a child who loves her parents but doesn’t understand them, and vice versa.

“Above all, I thought it was a magical story. I want our audience to love the character of the Snow Child as much as I do.”

Tickets are £8.50 and £10 for children or £37.50 for a family of four; visit
www.thegulbenkian.co.uk or call 01227 769075. The show is suitable for ages
three and over.

HARRY THE HEDGEHOG

Harry is a timid hedgehog but on Christmas Eve finds himself battling to save a fairy from a terrible fate.

This Christmas show at Chatham’s Brook Theatre is aimed at those aged three to six. The Timid Hedgehog And The Forgotten Christmas Forest opens on Friday, December 4, and runs until Christmas Eve.

Visit medwayticketslive.co.uk or call the box office on 01634 338338.

OLIVER!

With its catchy tunes, the musical tale that is Oliver! comes to the Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells on Thursday, December 10.

With music and lyrics by Lionel Bart, the show is directed by John Martin, with orchestral arrangements by William David Brohn and by arrangement with Cameron Mackintosh and the Southbrook Group.

Suitable for ages eight and over, Oliver! runs until Sunday, January 3. For tickets and performance times, visit www.trinitytheatre.net or call 01892 678678.