MARION SAUVEBOIS hears about a play with a message

A SOUPçON of magic, dollops of adventure and a heavy dose of festive cheer is in store for hundreds of children across town as Father Christmas prepares to shimmy down the Arts Centre’s chimney.

Rod Campbell’s acclaimed story, Dear Santa, tells the story of Father Christmas, who, with his most faithful elf, embarks on a mission to find the perfect present for Sarah, after receiving a letter from the selfless little girl.

In her letter she asks him not to send her any gifts on December 25 but instead deliver her toy to a child in need.

But our generous Santa not only refuses to let such a kind-hearted little one go without a gift, he also resolves to find her something extra-special this Christmas.

Audience participation will be a requirement, not a suggestion, as the pair call on their young spectators’ assistance to unearth a winning gift.

“We are going to go through all our options with the audience and the children will decide so they play a very important part in the show,” said Peter Edbrook, who plays Father Christmas.

“I will make the mums and dads react too. It’s not panto but we have fun and little asides. Everybody gets involved.”

Laughter will inevitably follow as Santa and his elf rack their brains for a good idea.

But between the gags, Dear Santa will deliver a valuable message to its young spectators about the importance of sharing at Christmas time.

“There is a wonderful message,” said Gary Jerry, who plays Santa’s loyal elf.

“Christmas is a time for sharing and giving rather than receiving. It’s a time for friendship and family to look after each other.

“For some children it will be the first time they go to the theatre and we hope to make it as special as possible for them.

“It will be a lovely way to start off their Christmas.”

Co-star Natalie Bush, who plays the thoughtful Sarah, added: “It’s quite unusual to be so selfless, especially in this day and age where we’re all so materialistic.

“I feel that that sense of giving is getting lost.

“Sarah gets rewarded for it and the children will definitely take something away from that.”

The highlight of the 40-minute performance for many will be meeting Santa. They will even have the chance to chat and have their photograph taken with him.

“The coolest part for the children will be meeting the big man himself afterwards,” added Gary. “But I’d like to think they’d want to get a selfie with the elfie.”

The show was designed for children aged between two and seven years old.

“I am delighted to be staging a professional production this Christmas at Swindon Arts Centre,” said theatre director Derek Aldridge.

“It has been specifically chosen as an option for younger children for whom the traditional pantomime at the Wyvern may be too long – or loud!

“Dear Santa demonstrates that Swindon Theatres are committed to high quality theatre for all families and we wish all our audiences a very happy Christmas.”

Dear Santa runs at Swindon Arts Centre from Monday, December 22 to Sunday 28, up to three times each day.

To book visit at swindontheatres.co.uk or call the ticket office on 01793 524 481.