A FAVOURITE children's story is going on tour throughout rural Dorset.

The Elves and the Shoemaker by Forest Forge and Bumblefly arrives in Winterbourne Whitechurch on Thursday December 22 and at Child Okeford in the New Year on January 11.

The theatre companies are joining forces again this year in a magical collaboration to bring this very Christmassy tour to venues throughout the New Forest and beyond.

The Elves and the Shoemaker has been 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 of 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 of Bumblefly said: “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 soul 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.”

*Call 01258 881338 for tickets to the Winterbourne Whitechurch performance at 6.30pm on December 22. Call 01258 861612 for tickets to the St Nicholas Primary School performance in Child Okeford on January 11 at 6pm or buy tickets from Cross Stores, Child Okeford.

The show is touring from 3 December - 21 January 2017 to a venue near you.

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

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