PART of the pleasure of taking youngsters to a pantomime is seeing the excited expressions which cross their faces as the action unfolds on stage.
Instead of having to wait 11 months to experience that particular joy once more, parents, grandparents, big kids and toddlers should head for Eden Court Theatre, Inverness.
From today, they can seen a spellbinding new adventure which, although it has no connection with panto-land, has everything to do with keeping young audience members thrilled and entertained.
Room on the Broom is a new adventure musical show from London-based Tall Stories theatre company, creators of international hit family stage shows including, The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child.
Adapted from the much-loved children’s book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, the coming together of Tall Stories and the children’s author has already proved itself to be a winning formula.
This lively and sparkling production brings to life the story of what happens to a witch and her cat as they fly happily around the countryside – until a mighty wind blasts her hat, bow and wand into the night.
All is not lost, however, as they meet a host of new friends, including a silly dog, a bizarre bird and a friendly frog, who help her find her things.
To say thank you, she offers them a lift on her broom – but it’s only strong enough to hold her and her cat, so not surprisingly it snaps in two.
Just when she thinks things can’t get any worse, a hungry dragon appears.
To find out if the friendly witch is saved, and if there will ever be room on the broom for her and her new chums, you’ll need to head for the Empire Theatre within Eden Court.
This theatrical feast is being performed at 1.30pm today, tomorrow and Saturday, with an additional 10.30am show on Saturday.
Tickets are priced at £9 and £11, with group and family discounts available. For further details call 01463 234234 or visit www.eden-court.co.uk