The festive season kicks off with Hans Christian Andersen’s story of Gerda’s journey in search of her friend Kai, abducted by the Snow Queen.

The tale has been adapted by director Andrew Allen, whose production is a multi-faceted one with animation, puppetry, dance and original songs propelled by a hard-working cast.

A white multi-purpose set soon fills up with townspeople, trolls, season princesses talking birds and animals all bringing a touch of magical wonderment.

Chelsea Newton-Mountney captures fully Gerda’s innocence and determination whilst Shonali Roderigues makes a suitably chilling Snow Queen.

The story may be a dark one but there is plenty of humour to lighten it up.

Many elements of pantomime slapstick provide the comic buffoonery from the Queen’s guards.

Two of the most delightful performances come from Mark Green and Jeff Moody as a singing and dancing crow and a jolly reindeer respectively.

The original songs are a mixed bag – some working well while others do not - often stronger voices are needed.

The production would also benefit from some tightening up especially with cue lines being sharper – this would enhance the pace that occasionally dipped. That said the show entertains, holding the attention of the many children present.