www.southenddrama.co.uk

The Great Santa Kidnap

Author: Roy Chatfield

Director: Rick Fiore

Production: 5th-6th December 2008

Theatre: The Focus Theatre, Short Street, Southend-on-Sea

If you're fed-up with pantomimes but still want to take your youngsters to a festive family play, Southend Drama Society has got exactly what you are looking for this December.

In a break from tradition, the amateur dramatics group - which has staged classic productions ranging from Blackadder to Alan Ayckbourn comedies - is presenting the family show, The Great Santa Kidnap.

It is Christmas Eve and Fergus, Santa Claus's chief helper, is bustling about preparing his sleigh.

Meanwhile, outside the home of siblings Tommy and Anna, three naughty goblins - Sneergripe, Snottle and Bug - are plotting to kidnap Santa. They plan to hold him ransom and ruin Christmas for everyone.

Tempting Santa's reindeer with cabbage and cold porridge cookies, the sneaky rogues stage the Great Santa Kidnap.

With Christmas looking doomed, it is up to Tommy and Anna to save the day, with the help of a host of magical animals including Prancer the Reindeer and even a talking dragon.

In addition to a normal evening performance on the Friday, the society is staging an afternoon matinee on the Saturday, especially for younger children.

The Great Santa Kidnap, by Roy Chatfield, will be performed at the Focus Theatre, Short Street, Southend, on Friday, December 5, starting at 7.30pm and Saturday, December 6, starting at 4pm. Ticket costs £8 adults, £4 concessions. To book, call the box office: 01268 752239.