PRIMARY TIMES SOMERSET CHRISTMAS 2021

Family What’s On Guide

Issue 93, 29 Nov 21 - 7 Feb 22

Somerset

Explore the magical illuminated gardens of the Bishop’s Palace, Wells, from 5th - 21st December.

FESTIVE THEATRE • WHERE’S SANTA • CHRISTMAS BOOKSTORE

32,500 copies to local families

Star Read

Bookstore Christmas

Here is my end of year selection of books which would make great presents to give away, or treat yourself! They have certainly kept me entertained, hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

Debbie

The Bear and Her Book - Frances Tosdevin/ Sophia O’Connor (Uclan, £7.99) A curious bear sets out to see the world taking with her ‘Bear’s Big Book of Being Wise’. It comes in very handy on her journey when she finds creatures in need of help, and learns what to do from her book. Her journey takes her through deserts and jungles to the seashore and across the sea, but each time she feels the need to see more, until she comes to a town with a bookshop. She can’t believe what she sees there — has she found where she wants to be? This is a touching story with gorgeous pictures, told in rhyme to help newly developing readers.

I love the bear’s face, it is so adorable.

The Christmasaurus Tom Fletcher/ Shane Devries (Puffin Hb, £6.99)

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There is a special dinosaur living at the North Pole with Santa and his reindeer, his name is the Christmasaurus. His one wish is to fly and pull Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve. Sadly, none of Santa’s efforts to train him work, and year after year he watches as the sleigh goes without him. One year Santa decides to let Christmasaurus ride on the sleigh so he will at least feel what it is like to fly. He is thrilled, but doesn’t listen to Santa’s warning to stay in the sleigh and falls down a chimney. Not knowing this, Santa flew away. Luckily for Christmasaurus he was in the house of William, a little boy who loved dinosaurs and thought all Christmasaurus needed to do to fly was to believe he could. Is it that simple? Find out in this gorgeous picture book version of this enchanting, inspiring story. The illustrations are bold, expressive and atmospheric adding much to the story which is told in rhyme, an aid to newly developing readers, but also enjoyable for all abilities. I love it!

The Christmasaurus and the Naughty List Tom Fletcher (Puffin Hb, £12.99)

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At the beginning of December at the North Pole Santa carries out his first check of the Naughty and Nice lists by weighing both. This year, to everyone’s horror, the Naughty List far outweighs the Nice list. This could mean the end of the Nice List, no nice children who need presents and ultimately... no Santa! Worst of all, a new name on the Naughty list is William Trundle - not only the nice, kind best friend of Christmasaurus, but the boy who had saved Christmas twice. What could have happened? Things need to change before Santa does his second check on Christmas Eve. He isn’t allowed to interfere, but perhaps someone else could.

Despite having terrible toothache, the Christmasaurus sets off, led by the list, to give the naughty children a chance to change their ways. This involves dealing with bullying, selfishness, thoughtlessness, greed and vanity. Finding out the underlying causes of the bad behaviour can be the way to change it, but will he be able to change enough children to make a difference, and what about Will? This highly entertaining story in the compelling series with an adorable title character is full of fun and thought provoking moments. It might make you think about how your actions can affect others and question why some people act as they do. Large print and some pictures can inspire readers to try a long novel.

The Unexpected Tale of Bastien Bon Livre

Text © D J Williams 2021

Clare Povey (Usborne, £7.99) Bastien is imaginative and loves writing stories like his author parents, but when they are killed in a fire he is sent to a depressing orphanage. It is newly run by ruthless Monsieur Xainer who seems determined to make the children’s lives as miserable as possible, especially Bastien. All their possessions are taken from them, but Bastien manages to hide his most precious one - a notebook left to him by his parents, determined to finish their story. Unbeknown to him, another author, Oliver Odieux, is struggling to finish his latest novel and has a really nasty plan to help him. Escaping the orphanage for a few hours, Bastien learns authors are mysteriously vanishing and finds a clue that could link this to his parent’s death. Determined to find the truth he explores the orphanage and discovers dangerous secret passages and a dastardly plot. Will he be able to solve the mysteries surrounding him and finish his parent’s story? This is an exciting story with spectacular moments and lots of plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. Full length novel.

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28 November 2021 - 7 February 2022

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Indicates a book is part of a series

The Book of Stolen Dreams

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David Farr (Usborne Hb £12.99)

Rachel and her brother, Robert, live a bleak life in a city ruled by a cruel tyrant of a president who seems to despise everyone, especially children. When their librarian father enlists their help to steal a special, forbidden book to protect it he is unfortunately caught. He just manages to give it to his children to keep safe, warning them it is full of secrets.

What they discover is shocking and they realise the awful consequences if the book falls into the president’s hands. The missing last page is needed to avert the calamity, but the children are separated, each facing great dangers as they try to reunite and complete their quest while staying ahead of the enemy. It is hard to know who to trust and to avoid being captured while coming to terms with ghosts and the idea of immortality. This is a thrilling read, full of surprises and heart stopping moments. You will live each step of their journeys with them, and feel quite exhausted by the very satisfying end. A really enjoyable long novel for older juniors.

Little Horror- Daniel Peak (Firefly £6.99) You could say Rita is an unusual child, she can talk and reason things out like any intelligent teenager, but she is only 2 years old. She realised she was unusual at an even earlier age, but didn’t want to scare her parents or be thought a freak so she kept quiet. Besides, she knew people wouldn’t reveal their secrets in front of her if they know she could understand them, and she loved knowing secrets. The only people who know about her are her 4 year old brother and a teenage babysitter who wouldn’t dare betray her. That is until a nasty clown tries to get hold of her. She manages to escape, but when she goes back home her family are gone. While working out what is going on she needs all her powers of cunning, not to mention creativity, to avoid capture and defeat a mad plan.

This is a highly entertaining story with a very unusual hero. Needless to say, you won’t know what to expect next, but will enjoy finding out. Fair size print, full length novel.

Theodora Hendrix and the Curious Case of the Cursed Beetle - Jordan Kopy (Walker, £6.99) S Poor Theodora, her home and school life is getting stressful. At home, she’s happy being the only human living with monsters, the problem is the arrival of Shelly. The Monstrous League of Monsters inspector is there to make sure they aren’t breaking any more rules and seems determined to find fault. She also looks like she has her own secret agenda which could be disastrous for everyone. At school, the new headteacher is also intent on making life difficult with increasingly depressing and unfair new school rules aimed at ending all fun. Theo is determined not to be beaten at either place, but she has her work cut out, especially with a cursed beetle with evil intent on the loose. Things could get really tricky as Hallowe’en brings matters to a head with two parties - a monster and a human one - in their home at the same time which must be kept secret from each other. This pacy second story in the series is full of surprises and spookiness aided by funny illustrations. Fair size print, medium length novel.

What is Racism? - Katie Daynes / Jordan Akpojaro (Usborne Hb, £9.99) An unbelievable number of racist incidents have been reported in schools over the past few years. It is obviously something that needs to be tackled and the earlier children understand that racism is not OK the better. Jointly produced with ‘Show Racism The Red Card’, this book is a excellent approach to a difficult subject. Simple questions and answers are presented in a ‘Lift-the-Flap’ format making it very easy to understand and providing plenty of food for thought and starting points for discussion. They are grouped together under headings such as ‘What is racism?’; ‘Why do people look different?’; ‘Why are people racist?’ and ‘How can we stop racism?’ The format makes it accessible to younger primary aged children, but it is useful for older pupils as well.

You can find even more Christmas reads on page 16.

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In Somerset Chinadale, Churchinford, Taunton, TA3 7PW Tel: 01823 601188

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email: primarytimes. eyrie@gmail.com Publisher/Editor: Debbie Williams Design: Alan Williams Advertising: Alan Williams

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08 Dear Readers

In this issue

Here we are with the last issue of the year, full of seasonal events to see you through Christmas and beyond. Once again we’ve tracked down the man in red - he’s certainly busy this year. It seems he is more popular than ever as tickets to see him are going fast - some places have even sold out already, so don’t delay if you want to visit him.

02 & 16 CHRISTMAS BOOKSTORE

I’m glad to say pantomimes are back with a bang and there are lots of other exciting shows on offer.

I don’t want to be a killjoy, but I have to remind you that circumstances can still change, so don’t forget to check everything is going ahead before you leave home.

Here’s wishing you a really good Christmas and Happy New Year. We will see you at the beginning of February.

Debbie, Alan, Nell, Pud and George

Fam ily Wha

t’s On Guide

Issue 92, 11

Oct - 28 Nov

Somerset

04 FESTIVE FUN FACTS Some interesting facts about Christmas.

05-07, 10-11 ROUNDABOUT

2021

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FESTIVE THEATRE

Pantomimes and Christmas shows are back and as much fun as ever.

12-13 WHERE’S SANTA? We’ve discovered where you can find the man in red this year.

14-15 THEATRE Children’s and family shows.

You can explore the magical illuminated gardens and Christmas interiors of the Bishop’s Palace in Wells.

Photo: Gemma Hicks Photography

FEST IVE THEA TRE • WHE RE’S

Great reads and gift ideas for Christmas.

Your day by day family what’s on.

If you’re a fan of unusual facts, you’ll enjoy the ones we’ve found on page 3 and there are more fact books as well as great stories in Bookstore.

COVER IMAGES:

Primary Times is currently publishing over 2,550,000 copies per issue under franchise license throughout 61 counties.

2&16

Explore the magical illumina the Bishop’ ted gardens s Palace, Wells, this Christm as .

SANTA • CHRI STM

AS BOOKSTOR

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32,500 Copies to local famili es

28 November 2021 - 7 February 2022

3.

Fun Christmas Facts

Christmas is celebrated all over the world with varying traditions.

Here are some weird, but true, facts surrounding it.

What’s in a Name?

What could be more Christmassy than the nice old man who brings us presents? In Britain we call him Santa Claus or Father Christmas as do Australians and New Zealanders, Americans also call him Kris Kringle.

Here are some of his names from around the world, the first few are translations of Father Christmas: He is Papai Noel in Brazil and Portugal, Papa Noel in Spain and France; Noel Baba in Turkey; Babbo Natale in Italy; Santa Kollosu in South Korea; Weihnachtsmann in Germany; Ded Moroz in Russia (pictured left); Mikulás in Hungry and Julienisse in Norway.

As well as a name change, what children leave out for him differs from country to country. In Britain we tend to leave out mince pies; Americans leave cookies and milk; in France it’s biscuits; Sweden coffee; Chile sponge cake and Denmark rice pudding.

It’s nice he has different things to enjoy, but he must be careful not to eat too much to get too big to fit in chimneys!

It seems he sometimes slips away from his sleigh. In France Saint Nicholas rides a donkey bearing gifts for children. In Australia he sometimes arrives by helicopter or boat. In Hawaii he arrives on an outrigger canoe.

Christmas Trees Christmas trees are a well known feature of Christmas. There are more than 600 species of Christmas trees in the world and the pine needles on some of them are edible (but don’t try them!)

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If Santa travelle d at the sp eed of light he could circle th e globe seven ti mes in one sec ond.

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u know?

At some zoos elephants munch on discarded Christmas trees after the holidays. Old Christmas trees can also be used to rebuild sand dunes after a hurricane.

28 November 2021 - 7 February 2022

98% of Christmas trees are grown on farms and it takes up to ten years to grow one.

The earliest Christmas trees dating back to 1510 were decorated with apples and paper roses. In medieval Germany apples, wafers and biscuits were used.

Before the invention of electric lights, people put lit candles on their tree. This was very dangerous and led to many home fires.

The first strand of electric Christmas lights were assembled by American Thomas Edison in 1880 and strung round the outside of his laboratory. In 1882 his friend and partner, Edward H. Johnson, hand-wired 80 red, white and blue light bulbs and wound them around his Christmas tree. It wasn’t until 1903 when General Electric in America began to offer preassembled kits of Christmas lights they became affordable.

There are various other ways to decorate trees. In Brazil families decorate pine trees with little pieces of cotton wool to represent falling snow.

In Ukraine trees are decorated with fake spiders and webs. It is a tradition in Germany to look for an ornament shaped like a pickle hidden in the tree on Christmas morning.

The tree doesn’t have to be a fir, in India people decorate banana trees for Christmas.

People in Europe once hung their Christmas trees from the ceiling to keep them out of reach of children.

Some people take their tree decorating to extremes. A hotel in Dubai displayed a Christmas tree covered in 181 pieces of jewelery valued at more than $11 million.

The star on top of the

Christmas tree in Rockerfeller Centre in New York City has 25,000 crystals and weighs 550 pounds (249 kg). One of the world’s tallest Christmas trees, a 162 foot (49m) fir, is in Idaho in America. It is decorated with more than two miles (3.2km) of lights each year.

People can go to great lengths to stop others stealing their trees. A college in Minnesota in America sprays its evergreens on campus with skunk scent. Other parks have sprayed trees with fox urine and a chemical that smells like rotten eggs. I think I would rather lose the tree!

Reindeer What would Santa do without his reindeer? The famous Rudolph was almost called Reginald, doesn’t have the same ring does it? Donner and Blitzen were originally called Dunder and Blixem.

Santa’s deer are always pictured with lovely antlers and despite the male sounding names, only female adult reindeer keep their antlers through December. So Santa’s reindeer are probably all girls.

Some interesting facts about reindeer: their hooves expand in the summer and shrink in winter. Their hairs are hollow and their antlers weigh more than a car tyre. Some reindeer herds have as many as 500,000 reindeer and migrate more than 600 miles (966km) every year.

If you would like to find out more, ‘Weird but True!

Christmas’, published by National Geographic Kids, has 300 festive facts to light up the holidays.

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We take great care to ensure all this information is correct at the time of going to press. However at this time things can change at short notice so it is important you check details before going anywhere.

Continuing Until December 23

Cards for Good Causes Charity Christmas Card Shop in Taunton Visitor Centre selling a wide range of cards to support more than 20 local and national charities. Open from 9.30am to 4.50pm.

Bristol’s Christmas Market Bristol Shopping Quarter’s streets will play host to wooden chalets offering a selection of gifts as well as festive food and drink. With over

Christmas at the Bishop’s Palace,Wells, various dates in December .

50 stalls as well as entertainment including visits from Santa and his reindeer. Open from 10am to 7pm (food and drink until 10pm).

The Christmas House Stourhead House awaits you with beautiful handmade decorations adorning Christmas trees in every room. From a Regency dinner party, to the coming spring flowers, and even objects within the collection, each tree has its own theme showcasing the history of Stourhead. Free with normal admission.

Until December 24

Christmas at Crealy Visit the theme Park lit up with

My Christmas Trails These trails are a unique way of celebrating the festive season outdoors In historic and iconic venues. Choreographed to music, they showcase the natural and unique environment of each location. Independent street food vendors bring a delicious twist to tasty treats on offer. Join them at: Killerton House, Broadclyst

Until January 2

Visitors will be able to make memories as they discover sparkling tunnels of light, walk under giant baubles and beneath trees drenched in jewel-like colour. They can get into the festive feeling watching the flickering flames in the fire garden, gaze at the specially chosen illuminations and glimpse Father Christmas along the way.

Stourhead, Mere

Until January 2

Follow the magical after dark illuminated trail. Wander beneath unique tree canopies drenched in Christmas colour surrounded by giant baubles, glowing flowers, glittering snowflakes, and clusters of trees wrapped in ever-changing ribbons of colour. Don’t forget to glimpse Father Christmas along the way.

Kingston Lacy

December 3 - January 2

The grounds of the elegant country mansion will be transformed into a winter wonderland where you will discover sparkling tunnels of light, walk under giant baubles and beneath trees drenched in jewel-like colour.

decorations and enjoy the festive attractions including the Elves and the Toymaker Ice Show; Santa’s Toy Shop, with a free gift for every child; Santa’s Farewell Parade and Buddy and Blossom’s Christmas Bash, a party on the Piazza Stage.

Must be booked online in advance.

Until December 31

Giant Top Trumps Giant Cards feature Noah’s Ark’s own animals creating an exciting trail for you to follow around the zoo to find out who is the fastest, who is the rarest and who is the smelliest. Pick up a limited-edition Top Trumps Card and a trail sheet when you visit. There are 6 limited edition cards to be collected, this month they are Reindeer cards.

12 Tales of a Georgian Christmas This new immersive experience will bring the traditional Georgian Christmas to life through 12 tales in No 1 Royal Crescent in Bath.

Christmas Adventure Quest Explore Stonehenge with the family-friendly quest. Follow the trail to find clues dotted around the site, and discover fun facts and festive folklore along the way. From 9.30am to 5pm.

Until January 3

Shoephoria!

An exhibition in the Fashion Museum Bath showcasing 350 pairs of boots and shoes, drawn from the museum’s collection alongside ‘star’ shoes borrowed for the exhibition. It includes shoes worn by iconic figures from British cultural life, From the oldest shoes in the collection – a pair of red velvet mules from the 1690s – to sneakers and trainers from the 2000s.

Until January 2

Weston Festive Fayre An array of stalls filled with festive ideas and Christmas spirit for all the family. In the Town Square and Italian Gardens in Weston-super-Mare.

Christmas at Killerton Festive spirit will fill the house with traditionally decorated rooms and sumptuous garlands - just as the Acland family may have done when it was a family home. Enjoy a stroll around the winter garden and moment of peace in the chapel with its decorated Christmas trees.

There is also the new after-dark illuminated trail to follow (see box).

Christmas at Longleat Longleat will be transformed into a magical land. Journey through a mesmerising tunnel of light and sound, leading you to the front of Longleat House. See the magnificent musical display and over 100 warmly lit Christmas trees.

Then explore the Wonderland Walk through Jungle Kingdom and Monkey Temple, a trail of illuminated sculptured flowers dotted alongside the snowy paths.

Wander through the Hedge Maze adorned by thousands of twinkling lights and listen to carols in the Park’s Main Square. Don’t miss the 20 metre Enchanted Christmas Tree in the Stable Yard. Visit the Longhouse to enjoy storytelling and the Flight Before Christmas with tawny, barn and eagle owls.

Must be booked.

Until Feb 26

The Art of Brian Rice Exhibition of 30 colourful abstract artworks by painter-printmaker Brian Rice. After a childhood spent

Continued on page 6

28 November 2021 - 7 February 2022

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d n u o R ut Abo Christmas at Killerton until 2 January. in south Somerset Brian Rice became part of the London art scene in the 1960s, where he moved in the same circles as David Hockney and Peter Blake. In the Museum of Somerset, Taunton.

Until February 27

Myths and Monsters Family-friendly exhibition in Victoria Art Gallery in Bath. It links the world of literature, art and myth with some of the very best (and worst) you could expect to meet.

Star contributors range from Axel Scheffler to Michael Foreman, and from Cressida Cowell to Victoria Topping. Plus: Bronwyn Williams-Ellis: Mythical Beasts Past & Present The lively and colourful beasts painted onto ceramic dishes featured in this show by the Bathbased artist have been conceived as partners to the adjoining Myths & Monsters exhibition.

A Better World is Edible How does the food we eat affect the planet, and what can we do about it? Go to the kitchen at We the Curious to cook up some sustainable snacks, chat about the food we eat and changes we can make. Two activities alternate: The Big Green Grill-Off and The Missing Ingredient. For 7 year olds and above.

Songlines: Tracking the Seven Sisters Colourful and vibrant exhibition of Aboriginal Australian Art for all ages in the Box Museum in Plymouth. With over 300 paintings and objects by more than 100 artists.

The centre piece of the exhibition is a digital dome experience which immerses audiences in the rich landscapes and culture of

Australia. Audiences are invited to lie on the ground and look up at the ceiling of the dome and star gaze where a circular film of the Australian skies, landscapes, it’s art and its history is projected.

December Wednesday 1 - Sunday 19 Christmas Tree Corner Celebrate the festive season at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm with a walkthrough of decorated trees. Meet the festive friends, learn all about the reindeer herd and the history of Christmas and listen to musical surprises.

Wednesday 1 - Friday 24

Porlock Village Advent Windows On Saturday 1st Advent pictures will start appearing along Porlock High Street and a new picture will be added each day on the theme of Christmas Carols and songs.

Who will have Window 1 and who will complete the calendar on December 24th?

Wednesday 1 - Jan 1

Hansel and Gretel Follow Hansel and Gretel through the magical illuminated woodlands of Arnos Vale Cemetery as Insane Root Theatre transform it into the setting of a magical illuminated walking production of the iconic Brothers’ Grimm folk tale. Family friendly, fully immersive performances every 30 minutes from 4pm. Tickets £12 to £22.

Thurs 2, 9, 16 & 23

Taunton Late Night Shopping

Buy your Christmas presents while supporting local businesses. Taunton’s Christmas lights will guide your way and the Christmas tree will watch over you, all bringing a festive ambience to the shopping streets.

Thursday 2 - Sunday 5

Christmas Tree Festival See the decorated trees from 10am to 5pm in St Decuman’s Church, Watchet. Plus: Saturday 4 - Christmas Fayre from 10am to 5pm.

Sunday 5 - Christingle Service at 4pm.

Friday 3

Christingle Service Christingle is a joyful celebration that brings families and communities together to spread a message of hope. From 3 to 3.45pm in St Dubricius Parish Church, High Street, Porlock. Plus: Let’s Light Up Porlock The Christmas Lights will be switched on at 4pm in St Dubricius Church grounds with the Town Crier, followed by Carols around the Christmas Trees.

Chapel Christmas Concert Small choir, Byrdsong, will perform a capella sacred and secular music from the sixteenth century to the present day. At 7.30pm in Tyntesfield’s chapel.

Friday 3 - Sunday 5

Christmas Fayre From 10am to 6pm at East Quay, Watchet.

Friday 3 - Sunday 19

Christmas at the Palace The rooms of the medieval Bishop’s Palace will each be adorned with decorations on a different theme, from medieval through Victorian to Nordic. The Entrance Hall will be warmed by a roaring fire, and seasonal greenery and foliage from the Palace Gardens will be used to create stunning adornments to complement the historic interiors. Outside visitors can explore the magical inner gardens of the Bishop’s Palace illuminated with festive decorations and Christmas Illuminations.

Friday 3 - January 4

Mystery Of The Yuletide Feast Montacute House sleeps as winter falls. The family have departed for the yuletide season, and the house has been put to bed.

However, all is not as it should be… The remains of a decadent yuletide party have been discovered in the house. Greenery and candles adorn the rooms and the atmosphere is charged. Enjoy the story, the mystery and the house being seen from a totally different perspective. Is it possible to glean some clues amongst the lavish display of merrymaking that Montacute House has played host to?

Open from 11am to 3pm, free with

Family Festive Fun

December 21 - 24, 29 - 31 Have a go at some family-friendly festive activities at the Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury and explore the museum by following the Reindeer Trail (£1). Plus:

Tuesday 21 The fire-pit in the farmyard will be lit with outdoor activities to enjoy.

Wednesday 22 Mincepies will be cooked in the traditional range.

Thursday 23 Christmas Craft Making Friday 24 Decorate a plate ready to leave out a mince pie for Santa and a carrot for Rudolph (open until 2pm).

Wednesday 29 Enjoy some apple juice or cider warmed on the range.

Thursday 30 Gingerbread biscuit making in the Farmhouse kitchen.

Mystery of the Yuletide Feast, Montecute, 3 December - 4 January.

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28 November 2021 - 7 February 2022

Friday 31 Get ready for 2022 by making a Calendar.

Advanced booking ais recommended.

normal admission.

Winter Lights on the West Somerset Railway, 3 - 23 December .

Dec 3,4,10,11,17-19, 21-23 Winter Lights The Magic begins at Bishops Lydeard Station. A seat aboard an illuminated train awaits on West Somerset Railway, ready to take you on an unforgettable winter journey. Travel along the enchanted track, through woodlands and countryside transformed for the season with spectacular lineside displays as an encapsulating tale unfolds along the way, before you arrive at Crowcombe Heathfield, steeped in festive spirit. It’s then back to Bishops Lydeard. At 4.30 and 6.30pm. Tickets £20, must be bought in advance.

Dec 3,4,10,11,17-23

Avon Valley Christmas Nights Follow and interact with the light trail around Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park as the lake and trees are used to create a spectacular backdrop. The Enchanted Village and Post Room will be open and the Polar Express Miniature Steam Train will ride you through the Snowy Forest. There will also be a funfair for festive thrills.

Open from 4.30 to 9pm, must be booked.

Saturday 4

Candlelit Christmas Fayre A Christmas Fayre to get everyone into the festive spirit with stalls, twinkles, music, family activities

will keep you enthralled wherever you are in town with their pop-up performances, juggling, tricks and endless jokes.

Dec 5, 9 - 12, 16 - 19

Christmas Illuminations The inner gardens of the Bishop’s Palace in Wells will be illuminated from 3.30 to 7pm, last entry 6.30pm. Access is included in any valid admission.

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and mulled wine. Peruse outdoor and indoor stalls to find those unique Christmas presents for your loved ones finishing off with Candlelit carols under the stars. From 2 to 5pm in St George’s Church Wilton in Taunton. Adults £1, children free.

Christmas Choirs Stop for some festive cheer from local choirs who’ll be singing carols in St Peter’s Church adjoining Dyrham Park. From 1 to 2pm. eat:Nailsea Celebrate the great local producers surrounding the festival town. From 10am to 4pm in High Street and Crown Glass Shopping Centre, Nailsea.

Saturday 4 - January 2

Christmas Trails Hestercombe Gardens have two festive themed trails around the Landscape and Formal Garden.

Complete both trails to win a prize, and enjoy some fresh air. From 10am to 5pm, £2.

Sunday 5

Toy & Train Collectors Fair See over 300 stalls from 10.30am to 2.30pm at the Bath and West Showground. £4 per person.

Dulverton by Starlight The shops and businesses will be traditionally dressed for the season and many of them will open their doors to welcome you from 12pm on the day. The Winter Street Market will run from 2pm to 7pm selling local crafts, gifts and food. Roaming entertainers

Christmas Carols The Taunton Military Wives Choir will be in Hestercombe’s Bampfylde Hall, with the sweet melodies of your favourite Christmas carols, with charming new arrangements from the Taunton Concert Band.

Doors open at 7pm, concert starts at 7.30pm. Adults £10, children £5.

Thursday 9 - Friday 31

The Enchanted Garden of Light Enjoy an enchanting trail of illuminations at the American Museum and Gardens in Bath. Be transported into a magical after-dark adventure through spectacular light displays which will emblazon the entire house, gardens and woodland in glorious seasonal colour. Sparkling reindeer will guide your way as you enter mesmerising tunnels of light and are greeted with the sights, smells and tastes of the season.

Continued on page 10.

28 November 2021 - 7 February 2022

7.

e v i t s e F e r t a e Th

A rundown of the best panto and Christmas shows around this year.

Times vary unless otherwise stated.

A Tale As Old As Pantomime. A selfish Prince is cursed by an enchantress, turned into a hideous beast and only true love can save him. Thoughtful Belle sacrifices herself for her father and finds herself imprisoned in an enchanted castle. Can Belle see beyond the Beast’s appearance and fall in love with her captor in time? Packed full of stunning scenery, sensational costumes, magical songs, lots of family fun and amazing special effects.

Adults £18, children £16, family £64.

Dick Whittington

Mother Goose at The Octagon,Yeovil.

Mother Goose Octagon Theatre Hendford, Yeovil Box Office 01935 422884 December 3 - January 2 Pantomime full of all your favourite traditions – a fabulous fairy, a dastardly baddie and a bloke in a dress. With hilarious comedy, beautiful sets and costumes and fantastic music. Everyone loves Mother Goose but she’s not happy as she wants to be beautiful. It just so happens that the evil, self-obsessed

Jack and the Beanstalk Meet lovable hero Jack and his hilarious Mother Dame Trott. Short of money, the poor woman expected Jack to bring more than a handful of beans in exchange for Daisy the cow. She doesn’t bargain for a giant beanstalk, hungry giant and his henchman, Fleshcreep or the adventures that are to follow. Fee Fi Fo Fum see if Jack can save the day at:

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Demon Vanity can offer her everything her heart desires but there’s a price… she must give up the thing she loves the most: her prized goose. Tickets £14.50 - £25, children £14.50 - £22.50, family £73 .

Beauty and the Beast Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre School Road, Taunton Box Office 01823 414141 December 10 - 22

McMillan Theatre Bath Road, Bridgwater Box Office 01278 556677 December 17 - 29 A giant pantomime adventure, festive treat for all the family whisking you away to pantoland. With stunning costumes, hilarious comedy, fabulous singalong songs and a wonderful live band. Tickets £14 - £20, family £56 - £68.

The Playhouse Western-Super-Mare Box Office 01934 654544 December 11 - January 2 Join in a tale of adventure, love and

28 November 2021 - 7 February 2022

Memorial Theatre Frome Box Office 01373 462795 December 28 - January 3 The well-known fairytale of Dick Whittington and his feline friend Tommy who go to London in search of fame and fortune. Join the cast for fun on the open seas, slapstick in the galley and the fight against an oversized rat. A magical experience with a large cast, live music, bright costumes, sets and lighting.

Traditional pantomime presented by Frome Musical Theatre Company.

Tickets £14.

Christmas celebration in this classic pantomime, a giant of a family experience. Starring Derek Morgan (Milkshake).

Tickets £23.95 - £28, family £82 - £92.

Brewhouse Coal Orchard, Taunton Box Office 01823 283244 January 8 - 15 We all know the story, but this is pantoland, so you can always expect the unexpected. Wayfarers Pantomime Society present a show full of gags, music and high energy dance routines.

Be ready to laugh, cheer, boo and hiss as the story unfolds. Tickets from £12.

Cinderella Poor Cinderella, her wicked (not to mention ugly) stepsisters treat her as their servant. She’s going to need all the magic her fairy godmother can muster if she is to meet her Prince Charming and find true love before the clock strikes midnight. See how she fares at:

Theatre Royal Bath

two twists, lots of music, singing, laughs and sprinkling of magic. Tickets £14, concessions £11.

This spectacular production, starring Dani Harmer (Tracy Beaker), will delight with its enchanting story, side-splitting comedy, lavish settings and adorable miniature ponies. Tickets from £9 - £38.50.

Octagon Theatre

Box Office 01225 448844 December 16 - January 9

Cinderella at Theatre Royal, Bath 16 December - 9 January.

Puss in Boots Bridgwater Town Hall St Augustine’s Parade Box Office 07729 573954 January 21 - 29 The family cat doen’t seem much of an inheritance, but there is more to Puss then it seems. Newly equipped with a pair of stylish boots, he sets out to make his master’s fortune.

The Purr-fect pantomime presented by Bridgwater Pantomime Society. Adults £11, children £8 from Carnival Centre, High Street from 12 December.

The Panto and the Pea Rondo Theatre Larkhaill, Bath Box Office 01225 448844 December 9 - 16 Bonkers new Christmas show presented

by The Natural Theatre Company linking all the pantomimes and Christmas tales in the world ever into one festive family treat. At the door is a soaking wet woman who just wants to rest on a comfortable bed. Who is she? How did she get here?

Will she be able to sleep with a pea under her mattress? Her story comes to life before your very eyes and it involves a glass slipper, a beanstalk, a magic lamp… and a lot of familiar characters being very funny. Tickets £12 to £16, concs £10 - £14.

Snow White Bristol Hippodrome St Augustine’s Parade Box Office 0844 871 3012 December 4 - January 2 Poor Snow White, forced to flee to the forest to save herself from her stepmother’s murderous plans. She’s lucky enough to be taken in by seven kindly dwarfs who do their best to protect her, but they have to go to work and leave her.

What they can’t protect her from is her trusting nature and the cunning Queen.

If only a prince would come by and save the day.

Pantomime packed with all the traditional ingredients with an

Little Theatre

Wells Box Office 01749 672280 December 11 - 18 Expect the traditional story with one or abundance of jaw-dropping dance, sidesplitting comedy, sensational special effects and plenty of festive magic.

Starring Lesley Joseph and Rob Rinder.

Tickets from £13.

Five Children and It The Egg, Theatre Royal Bath Box Office 01225 448844 December 10- January 16 Sent away to live in the countryside with their reclusive Uncle, five children discover a secret that’s been hidden away for centuries: a magical, mischievous and extremely grumpy Sand Fairy called It with the power to grant spectacular wishes. There’s just one catch… Perhaps a wish granted isn’t always the dream come true you might expect. A sparkling new take on the classic story by E. Nesbit. Adults £20, children £15.

Robin Hood: Legend of the Forgotten Forest Bristol Old Vic King Street, Bristol Box Office 0117 987 7877 Until January 8 When a 21st-century kid slips through a crack in the time-space continuum, they crash into the middle of an epic fight between good and evil. It’s Sherwood Forest, the 12th century, an uneasy time of cunning thieves, dastardly villains and karaoke-singing monks. It’s up to Robin Hood and the Merry Crew to pull off their toughest mission yet and stop the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham achieving ultimate power. A magical tale about taking aim at the things you believe in, shooting straight from the heart and becoming the hero you were born to be.

For 7 year olds and above, tickets from £8.

Hendford, Yeovil Box Office 01935 422884 January 25 - 29 YAPS present a brand new spectacular and magical family pantomime. Featuring sensational scenery and costumes, toe-tapping songs and incredible special effects and a modern script with local references. Tickets £16..

Wind in the Willows Mole has never really left home before.

But today, something is different. The world outside is calling, and he feels like it is time to answer. Very soon, Mole is caught up in a whirlwind of wild adventures with his new friends Ratty, Mr. Badger and the absurd but loveable Mr. Toad. Can they overcome angry judges, mischievous weasels, and Toad’s own mad impulses to get their lives back to normal?

Brewhouse Coal Orchard, Taunton Box Office 01823 283244 December 9 January 2 Heartwarming musical tale of friendship and folly, fun for all the family. Toot toot! Adults from £19.50, children from £16.

Merlin Theatre

Bath Road, Frome Box Office 01373 4659 December 9 - 11 Full of humour, wit, a gorgeous, soaring score and heartwarming lessons of friendship. Adults £9.50, £12.50, children £9.50.

28 November 2021 - 7 February 2022

9.

December 2-5; 9; 11; 12; 18-24; 27 - Jan 2

Illuminate

d n u o R ut Abo

All of Rook Wood at Hestercombe Gardens will be lit with a beautiful multicoloured display, including its natural features and terrain, before taking you through the light-studded Yew Tunnel and onto a stunning, dynamic pixel display on the turning circle by Hestercombe House. From 4.30 to 7pm, adults £8, children £6, must be booked in advance online. There will also be late night shopping in the gift and book shop.

at 6.30pm, take a torch or lantern.

Wednesday 15

Christmas Cracker Over 60 stalls across 2 floors with gifts and treats from 10am to 4pm in Wells Town Hall, Market Place.

Carols on Easton Green Sing along with Wells City Band in Wells from 6.30pm.

Thursday 16 Christmas Carols As December 8.

Saturday 18

Friday 10

Living Nativity The Christmas story will enacted along Porlock High Street finishing in the orchard of The Old School.

It starts from Dovery Museum at 6pm.

Christmas Concert under Concorde Join the HMS Heron Royal Navy Volunteer Band under Concorde 002 in Hall Four of Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton. The concert features several classics and festive numbers for the occasion.

Tickets include a mince pie and mulled wine on arrival. Doors open at 7pm, concert starts 7.30pm, tickets £15. Limited places, must be booked in advance.

Friday 10 - Sunday 12

Christmas Tree Festival See decorated trees from 10am to 3pm in Chard Museum, Godworthy House. Details on 01460 65091.

Friday 10 - Friday 31

Porlock Santa Festival Santas of all shapes and sizes

Percy the Park Keeper’s Winter Wander Trail Treat your little ones to a world of adventures. Join the fun with Percy and his animal friends and give nature a helping hand at the following National Trust properties:

will be popping up along the High Street. Follow the Santa Trail to see them all.

Saturday 11

Deck the Halls Shop for all your Christmas needs from 10am to 4pm in Wells Town Hall, Market Place.

A Christmas Carol Get into the festive spirit with this classic Dickensian tale performed

by Wells Theatre Company in the atmospheric surroundings of the Bishop’s Palace. At 11am, 12.30 and 3pm, included with any general admission ticket. Places are given on a first come first served basis.

Porlock Late Night Shopping and Santa Dash Browse the shops in Porlock and cheer on the ‘Santas’ as they dash from the Doverhay Car Park through the village to the Top Ship.

From 5.30 to 8pm.

Christmas Choirs As December 4.

Fyne Court

December 4 - 24 From 10am to 3pm.

Killerton House

December 4 - January 3 From 10am to 3pm, pick up a pack from Visitor Reception.

Prior Park

Montacute House

December 3 - January 4

January 8 - 30

From 10am to 3.30pm.

Weekends only, last entry 3pm.

Trails £2.

Dunster Castle

Until January 3

December 4 - January 3 From 10am to 2.30pm on weekends and Christmas school holidays (except December 24 & 25).

Stourhead From 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Dyrham Park

December 4 - January 3

Every day except December 24 & 25. Pick up a trail on arrival.

10.

28 November 2021 - 7 February 2022

Christmas Celebration Concert Taunton Choral Society with Taunton Sinfonietta perform in St Mary Magdalene Church, Church Square, Taunton. At 7.30pm, adults £12, under 12s free. eat:Yeovil As December 4 but in Quedam Shopping Centre and town centre, Yeovil.

A Christmas Celebration A festive selection of readings and well-known Christmas carols for choir, organ, percussionist and audience. From 7pm in Bath Abbey.

Sunday 12

Christmas Fun Day Go to the Helicopter Museum in Weston-super-Mare to see Santa arrive by helicopter and sit in his famous sleigh. There will be charity stalls and seasonal fayre, open cockpit and helicopter flights from 2pm which are best booked in advance.

Giant Flea Market Over 250 inside and outside stalls, selling a plethora of items will be at the Bath and West Showground.

Doors open at 9.30am, adults £5, accompanied children free.

Midwinter Revels GreenMatthews’ festive show in the Abbey Barn at Somerset Rural Life Museum spanning several centuries. A celebration of yuletide past featuring Christmas carols, winter folk songs, toe-tapping tunes and a plethora of weird and wonderful instruments. At 7.30pm, tickets £16.

Christmas Concert Churchill Singers present a concert in the Abbot’s Kitchen of Glastonbury Abbey with well known carols from 2pm.

Theo The Yellow Bird Join in the fun with local children’s author, Dawn Bosley. Includes Children’s Adventure Stories with music; book sales and first edition signings; story telling; singing; music and dancing; drawing and colouring. Free from 9am to 4.30pm in Council Chambers, Town Hall, Market Place, Wells.

Christmas Concert From 6.30 to 7.30pm in St Dubricius Parish Church, High Street, Porlock.

A Christmas Carol As December 11.

A Baroque Christmas Bath Abbey’s Choirs are joined by Baroque instrumentalists Rejouissance playing on historic instruments. With carols for audience and a feast of glorious Christmas music from Venice and Paris. From 7pm in Bath Abbey.

Saturday 18 & Sunday 19

Santa Paws Take your four-legged friends for a special visit to Hestercombe’s very own Santa Paws. Based in the Gift Shop in Hestercombe House, Santa Paw’s grotto will be bursting with festive cheer and a lovely way to get your doggy in the mood for Christmas. Each dog will receive a special gift, and you’ll be able to take your own photos of your dogs with Santa Paws. Slots every 5 minutes from 12 to 3pm. £8 per dog, humans half price garden admission. Dogs only - no other type of pets. Book online.

Sunday 19

Carol Service Traditional service of carols and readings from 6 to 7pm in St Dubricius Parish Church, High Street, Porlock.

eat:Weston As December 4 but in Winter Gardens, Weston-super-Mare.

Christmas Classics Wells City Band will be playing an array of Christmas classics to welcome in the festive season outside the chapel at the Bishop’s Palace.

Monday 13

Sunday 19- Tuesday 21

Carols Around The Bandstand Join the Mayor of Taunton in Taunton’s Vivary Park with Taunton Deane Male Voice Choir, The West Somerset Singers and Let’s Sing with Taunton Concert Band. Free,

Carols by Candlelight Concerts Enjoy world-class music for Advent and Christmas sung by Wells Cathedral Choir, interspersed with festive readings and poetry read by a special guest. See the Cathedral

lit by over 3,000 candles each night. At 7pm in the Nave of Wells Cathedral. Tickets £15 - £50.

Monday 20 - Friday 24

Carol Singing There will be carol singing around the streets of Porlock at 6pm and Father Christmas will be touring the village.

Christmas Concert Mulled Wine and Minced Pies with Watchet Community Choir in the East Quay, Watchet, free entry.

Wednesday 22

Father Christmas Float See the Father Christmas Float Tour around Watchet.

Blitzen’s Bazaar See over 60 stalls across 2 floors with gifts and treats from 10am to 4pm in Wells Town Hall, Market Place.

Dec 22 & 23; 27 - Jan 2

Christmas Search and Rescue Calling all budding aviators, your help is needed. Father Christmas has lost his reindeer. Last radio signals show Rudolph losing height over the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton. Your mission is to help Aircrew Officer Pilot Ellie Copter find Rudolph and his friends in the galleries at the Museum and rescue Christmas. Follow the Christmas Search and Rescue trail, and get creative with a range of Christmas inspired craft activities. Free with valid museum ticket, must be booked in advance. Details on 01935 840565.

Thursday 23

Christmas Family Disco

Monday 24 - March 1

Join in a party for all ages in Westlands Entertainment Venue, Westbourne Close, Yeovil. £5, details on 01935 422884.

Friday 24

Saturday 25

Merry Christmas!

Behind Closed Doors Tours A chance to see behind the normally closed doors of Stourhead House. Tours may cover four floors with many stairs and will give you an insight into what goes on behind the scenes. From 11.15am to 12.15pm, free with normal admission. ages in a large planetarium dome.

It is an exciting adventure exploring the Solar System – and beyond. In Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton.

Sessions at 5.30, 6.30, 7.30 and 8.30pm. Adults £15, children £10, places limited, book in advance.

For a free listing of your event — let us know the details by 21 January.

January Saturday 1

Happy New Year!

Saturday 22

Space Odyssey Planetarium Space Odyssey planetarium offers spectacular 360° 3D space experience for children and adults of all

28 November 2021 - 7 February 2022

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Reports of Santa travelling by train Santa Express December 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 & 19, 21 - 24 Step aboard West Somerset Railway’s festively decorated heritage carriages and take a journey through winter woodlands.

Santa’s presents and refreshments will be waiting at your table and he’ll be along for the ride to ensure you have received them. A round trip to Williton means there will be plenty of time aboard to soak up the experience. At 10.30am or 1pm, tickets £20, must be booked in advance. Plus: Santa Specials December 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 & 19, 22 - 24 Take a 30 minute ride on the special East Somerset Railway trains then cross the line to the North Pole Station where you can visit Santa and receive a gift (if you have been good, of course). There will be a Goody Bag for every child to take onto the train containing colouring sheets, crayons and a family Santa quiz sheet. There will also be a balloon modeller on the platform.

Refreshments will be served at the North Pole - including mulled wine and mince pies. Book online. Plus:

Santa By Starlight December 12 & 19 Young guests receive a goody bag on arrival before going on a 30 minute ride to the North Pole Station where Santa’s elves and a balloon modeller will greet you.

Then you get your special time in Santa’s grotto where you can tell him how good you’ve been and receive your gift. Must be booked in advance.

Yeovil Santa Specials December 5, 13, 18, 19, 23 Children can ride a train behind a steam locomotive travelling in a decorated heritage carriage to the Yeovil Railway Centre.

There Santa will be ready to receive visitors in the ex GWR Transfer Shed. Adults and children £10, must be pre-booked.

Santa Specials December 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 & 19 The Santa service on Somerset and Dorset Railway will feature a round trip on the railway in heated carriages hauled by one of the hard-working steam locomotives “Joyce” or “Austin 1” assisted by a diesel locomotive due to the very steep climb away from the station. Santa will be on the platform before your train departs so give him a wave. After the train ride Santa’s helpers will make sure all the children

Santa Express on the West Somerset Railway.

12.

28 November 2021 - 7 February 2022

receive a wrapped gift and a goody bag containing festive treats and a drink.

There will be refreshments for the grown ups as well. Must be booked in advance.

Avon Valley Santa Specials December 4 -6, 11 & 12, 18 & 19, 21 - 24 Enjoy a mince pie or festive biscuit on your trip on the Avon Valley Railway as you travel the line and when you return to Bitton Station you’ll meet Santa and have the chance to take family photographs with him. All good boys and girls will receive a present from him too. Don’t forget to look out for the festive Christmas Donkeys on the station lawn. Must be booked in advance onlne.

You can join Santa in his Grotto Grotto at Sea Until December 24 See Santa in his magical grotto a quarter of a mile out to sea on the Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare and receive a Christmas gift. £7.50 per child and one supervising adult, extra adult £2.50.

Must be booked.

Magical Experience December 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 - 24 Visit Father Christmas in his grotto at Puxton Park. Cowslip Lane, Hewish.

Then take part in the Magical Christmas Experience where children can meet the Christmas Fairy on her quest to find her magic wand; partake in Christmas biscuit decorating with Mrs. Claus and follow the 3D Christmas Tree Trail. From 10am to 4pm, adults £16.95, children £20.95, under 2s free. Plus: Supper with Santa December 18 - 22 Enjoy a feast and dance the night away with Santa together with a gift for all children. From 6 to 8pm, children £14.50, adults £6.50. Book in advance online.

Santa is spotted with the animals Visit the Enchanted Village December 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 - 24 Visit the Enchanted Village at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park, Keynsham and explore a magical land. The Reindeer Rocket Check-In is waiting to whisk you to the North Pole over Clifton Suspension Bridge. Once there, take a snowy walk to see Mrs Christmas and her talking reindeer before meeting Father Christmas himself in a timed session. After you let him know your most special wish for Christmas he will present you with a magical item to take to his toy shop to choose your own gift. You will be transported back to the park where you continue or begin your festive day out. The Post Room will be open to post your letter to Santa and the Polar Express Miniature Steam Train is ready to ride you through the Snowy Forest. Meet Donner, Blitzen and Vixen the resident reindeer and make some reindeer food. See the live nativity scene, but watch out for the Grinch causing mischief on the Tractor and Trailer ride while the Dinosaurs will be putting on a show. From 10am to 4pm.

Enjoy a magical experience at Hestercombe December 4 - 24

Visit Hestercombe Gardens to enjoy a magical Father Christmas experience where every child can meet the man in red and receive a special gift. When you arrive you will be greeted by a friendly elf who will hand you a special activity pack full of festive fun.

When Father Christmas is ready you will wander through the winter gardens to meet him in front of a roaring log fire in his magical garden folly. After your visit you can enjoy the Christmas garden trails. From 10am to 7pm, £11.

A visit is extra magical in the evenings, as you can wander along the illuminated pathway to his garden hideout and enjoy the special Christmas illuminations around Rook Wood and the Victorian Shrubbery.

Christmas at the Zoo December 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 - 24 Go on a festive adventure around Paignton Zoo and meet Santa in his magical grotto. Join Mrs Claus as she reads a magical Christmas story and then make reindeer food at the elf workshop – sprinkle it on your lawn at night, the moon will help it sparkle bright, as Santa’s reindeer fly and roam, this food will guide them to your home. From 10.30am to 4pm, children £12 (does not include entry to the zoo). Must be booked in advance online.

28 November 2021 - 7 February 2022

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We have tried to give as up to date picture as we can, but in the current circumstances things can change at short notice.

We advise you to book in advance and then check again before you go.

Memorial Theatre Box Office 01373 462795 Christchurch Street West, Frome

Pop Princesses Saturday February 12 This is the children’s pop concert with a big difference. A magical, musical spectacular where beautiful Princesses become Pop Stars. At 3pm, tickets £15.50.

Warehouse Theatre Box Office 07943 779880 Brewery Lane, Ilminster

Toms Midnight Garden December 7 - 11 Quarantined in his Aunt and Uncle’s stuffy flat because his brother has measles, Tom is bored. When he hears a grandfather clock strike thirteen he discovers a secret Victorian garden and an unhappy orphan. At 7.30pm, Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

Adults £10, children £6.

The David Hall Box Office 01460 240340 Roundwell Street, South Petherton

Cinderella 2 or 14.

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Buttons Bounces Back Sunday December 5 Buttons isn’t happy. His best friend Cinderella has run off, got married and gone all…

Princessy! And the one person who can help him find a new friend isn’t a person at all. She’s a Fairy Godmother.

Oh, the shame! Get ready to go on a quest through Pantoland with songs and laughs and thrills aplenty. At 2 and 6pm, tickets £9, children £7.50, family £27.

Brewhouse Box Office 01823 283244 Coal Orchard, Taunton

Fairytale of New York Thursday December 2 An international cast of singers, musicians and dancers bring you all of your favourite Christmas songs as well as some of the greatest Irish sing a long songs of all time. At 2.30 and 7.30pm, tickets from £25.50.

See The Sorcerer’s Apprentice at The Brewhouse,Taunton, 15 - 19 December.

turned into an adventure that threatens to spiral out of control. For 3 year olds and above, times vary, tickets from £8.

The Smeds and The Smoos January 18 - 20 Soar into space with this adaptation of the book

by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. On a far-off planet, Smeds and Smoos can’t be friends. So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back? Music, laughs and interplanetary adventures for 3 year olds and over. Times vary, tickets from £13.

Regal Theatre Box Office 01643 706430 The Avenue, Minehead

Humbugged Wednesday December 8

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice December 15 - 19 Soap Soup Theatre with intricate puppetry, hilarious characters and sumptuous design. What if you uncovered the secret that your grouchy neighbour is actually a sorcerer whose house is powered entirely by magic? And if agreeing to feed their cat while they’re away during the holidays

28 November 2021 - 7 February 2022

the evil orphanage mistress who plans to force children into deadly dangerous factory work on Christmas day. He needs help from his old friends. The Pantaloons present a brand new adventure that’s part seasonal sequel and part supernatural time-travel heist. At 7.30pm, adults £12, students £6.

Santa’s Best Ever Christmas Wednesday December 15 As Bridgwater Arts Centre.

At 7.30pm. Adults £8.75, children £7.75, family £29.

Guide Dogs for the Blind Friday December 17 Guide Dogs are celebrating their 90th Anniversary this year, and the West Somerset Branch are marking the occasion with local performers who have kindly donated their time and talent to present a fun evening full of laughter and music to raise much needed funds for the evening. At 7.30pm, tickets £9.

Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre Box Office 01823 414141 School Road, Taunton

The Snow Queen Ebenezer Scrooge is a changed man. Having given away too much to charity a dangerous loan shark calling in his debt on Christmas Eve,

Thursday December 2 Join Ballet Theatre UK in their re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale ballet. Gerda’s quest to find her friend Kay, whom the Snow Queen has placed

The show where every child gets a present from Santa.

Join Father Christmas and friends in this brand new, festive, musical, interactive adventure to make this Santa’s Best Ever Christmas.

For 2 to 7 year olds at 4pm, tickets £10.75, children £9.75, family £41.

under an evil spell takes her on a journey across the frozen north where she encounters a band of gypsies, enchanted reindeer, and a mysterious and reclusive Lapland woman. Tickets £16, students £11.

Theatre Royal Box Office 01225 448844

The Playhouse

Sawclose, Bath

Box Office 01934 645544

The Hound of the Baskervilles January 25 - 29 A farcical overhaul of the well-known story. Worldrenowned detective Sherlock Holmes and his colleague Dr Watson are asked to unravel the mystery surrounding the untimely death of Sir Charles Baskerville. With rumours of a cursed giant hound loose on the moors, they must act fast in order to save the Baskerville family’s last remaining heir. A whodunnit for all ages at 7.30pm, Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm.

Bristol Old Vic Box Office 0117 987 7877 King Street, Bristol

Anansi’s Big Big Adventure December 17 - 31 The mischievous Anansi the Spider spots a great shiny disc in the forest near his home. Curious, and telling his six children he will only be a minute, he walks to the forest edge to find out what it could be. But they’re too busy arguing to notice and he gets lost following the disc. Can his children find him before it is too late? For 4 to 7 year olds in he Weston Studio.

Times vary, tickets £12, children £10.

Bristol Hippodrome Box Office 0844 871 3012 St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol

Bedknobs and Broomsticks January 26 - 29 Enter a world of magic and

Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Bristol Hippodrome, 26 - 29 January.

fantasy in this new musical based on the Disney movie.

When the three orphaned Rawlins children are reluctantly evacuated from wartime London to live with the mysterious Eglantine Price, they have no idea what adventures lie ahead.

At 7.30pm, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Tickets from £13.

Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker February 1 - 5 With family-sized helpings of Bourne’s trademark wit, pathos and magical fantasy, the ballet follows Clara’s bittersweet journey from a darkly comic Christmas Eve at Dr. Dross’ Orphanage, through a shimmering, iceskating winter wonderland to the scrumptious candy kingdom of Sweetieland, At 7.30pm, Thursday and Saturday matinee at 2.30pm, tickets from £13.

to save the day. Presented by Re:ACT at 7.30pm, Saturday matinee at 2.30pm, tickets £16, concs £15.

Strode Theatre Box Office 01458 442846 Church Road, Street

The Improvised Panto Saturday December 4 Comedy improv troupe Pinch Punch use your suggestions to improvise a brand new musical pantomime. No rehearsals, no second chances. Boo villains, cheer heroes and beware the Dame as you help your characters get their happily ever after! At 2.30pm, tickets £13, children £7, family £35.

Bridgwater Arts Centre

Box Office 01278 422700 Castle Street

Santa’s Best Ever Christmas

Weston-super-Mare

Fireman Sam Live: Saves The Circus Saturday January 29 When all of his friends go away, Norman Price decides to find adventure in Pontypandy and become the star of a visiting circus. But with a tiger on the loose and faulty lights, the adventure soon turns to danger. Can Fireman Sam come to the rescue and save the circus?

At 10.30am, tickets £19, children £18, family £70.

Milkshake Monkey’s Musical Saturday February 12 Milkshake Monkey can’t wait to put on a spectacular new Show for you all, joined by some of his favourite Milkshake friends plus two Milkshake Presenters.

Plenty of laughter, audience interaction and great fun to get everyone up on their feet.

At 10.30am and 1.30pm, tickets £19, children £18, family £70.

Friday 17 December

Princess Theatre Box Office 01278 784464 Burnham-on-Sea

Robin Hood December 2 - 4 The good people of Nottingham are stricken with poverty; the evil Sheriff has been taxing the citizens mercilessly for his own wicked gain, too powerful for anyone to stand up to him.

With a pastime for robbing the rich to give to the poor, our hero, Robin Hood is here

Santa’s Best Ever Christmas at Bridgwater Arts Centre, 17 December.

28 November 2021 - 7 February 2022

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More Christmas

Bookstore Danger at Dead Man’s Pass

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M.G. Leonard/ Sam Sedgman (Pan Macmillan £7.99) Latest in the ‘Adventures on Trains’ series sees Hal and Uncle Nat being asked to go to Germany to investigate the death of one of a rich and powerful family and the supposed curse that surrounds them. Taking the night train from Berlin they go undercover pretending to be distant cousins to avoid rousing suspicions. The large old family home is at the bottom of the Harz mountains near the creepy Dead Man’s Pass where the body was found.

While finding this is a far from united family, Hal has worries closer to home when he sees Uncle Nat creeping out at night. Can he find out what secrets his uncle is keeping from him as well as those surrounding the family before disaster strikes? His knowledge of trains is going to be vital. This is an engaging story full of clues and puzzles leading to a thrilling, breathtaking climax. Hal’s sketches help him work things out at the same time helping to bring events to life for us. Full length novel.

Moose’s Book Bus Inga Moore (Walker Hb, £6.99) Moose loved making up stories to tell his family, but one evening he couldn’t think of a new one.

When his wife suggested he read one instead he went round to all his neighbours to borrow a story book, but none of them had one. So he went to the library in town and borrowed a load of books. Seeing him bring them home, Bear asked if she could bring her cubs to hear the story.

Word spread and one by one all the neighbours and their families came to listen. but there was hardly room to move and Mrs Moose was run off her feet making cocoa for everyone. Moose came up with a brilliant plan, he bought an old bus, did it up, loaded it with books and turned it into a mobile library. The trouble was, the neighbours couldn’t read, so Moose taught bear who taught Badger and they all passed on their new skills to others until they were all borrowing books to read, but Moose was still the favourite storyteller! This is a lovely story with cute, expressive pictures adding to it.

How Winston Delivered Christmas Alex T Smith (Macmillan, £6.99)

Weird but True 2022 (National Geographic Kids Hb, £20) Have you heard of the Banyan tree in Pakistan that has been under arrest and held in chains for over 120 years?* Did you know Bombardier beetles shoot out a boiling hot mix of chemicals from their bottoms when threatened? Or that before trees evolved the surface of Earth was covered in huge mushrooms that could reach 8 metres tall? There are hundreds more facts in this absorbing book, a must for any one who loves collecting facts, the odder the better. It is divided into 7 sections covering earth, creatures, history, science and technology, transport, buildings and space and illustrated with vivid photos throughout.

The World’s Most Amazing Places (National Geographic Kids Hb, £20) More facts, a thousand to be precise, looking at places in all parts of the globe, once again illustrated with stunning photographs which seem to jump off the page. Some places are familiar, Mount Etna the active volcano; Angel Falls the world’s tallest waterfall; Dorset’s Jurassic Coast; Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway for example but there are probably details you won’t know about them and most of the places I had never heard of. It just goes to show what an incredible place this world is. * In case you are wondering why, it was placed under arrest in 1898 when a British Army officer thought he saw it moving towards him in a suspicious way! (We won’t question why!)

The Very Merry Murder Club

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Not only is Oliver late sending his letter to Father Christmas on Christmas Eve, it misses the box and flies away. Luckily a kind mouse who can read called Winston finds it and, before chewing the envelope to make a nest, sees the address and realises its importance. Not wanting anyone to miss out on a present he decides to take the letter to the North Pole, but when he finds out how far away that is he wonders how he will ever get there. Being a very brave and determined young mouse, Winston isn’t easily put off and luckily finds some very surprising new friends who want to help him. But it is a very tough challenge with many dangers to face. See how he fares in this touching story full of adventure and acts of kindness. It is told in 24 and a half chapters so it can be read one a day like an advent story, but you will might be too keen to find out how it ends to wait. Large print and lots of pictures to encourage new readers onto a medium length novel.

How Winston Came Home For Christmas S Alex T Smith (Macmillan Hb, £14.99) A year after delivering Christmas for Oliver, Winston is living with him, happily helping out in the shop.

Five days before this Christmas the church bells play a tune that seems familiar. Winston can’t think why, but it leaves him with an empty feeling. Blurry memories make him sure someone very important is missing and must be found. Leaving a note for Oliver promising to be back for Christmas, Winston sets off on another quest. Luckily he still has friends he made the previous year who are willing to help again. Starting at the church with new helpers to try and work out what the tune is sets off a trail of clues taking him around the globe to a surprising location and an even more amazing discovery about his past. Another lovely story about this adorable mouse who doesn’t give up. This beautiful picture book once again comes in 24 and a half chapters and at the end of each one is an activity to be carried out: things to do, make or bake. All beautifully presented in a gift book edition.

ed. Serena Patel/ Robin Stevens (Farshore Hb, £12.99) With thirteen short seasonal mystery stories to be solved this is a book for all would be detectives. From murders to kidnapping, burglary to sabotage, a beast to be outwitted and the secret behind a spooky funfair, it’s all happening. There are a variety of passions behind the crimes: jealousy, rivalry, revenge, prejudice, rejection, guilt and misunderstandings but all are solved by canny children, sometimes outwitting the police. Some have an element of fun, others can be spine tingling, but all are entertaining. There is something for all tastes in a lovely gift book presentation.

No Man’s Land - Joanna Nadin (Uclan, £7.99) Life is very confusing for Alan. As a lover of superheroes he wishes life was as straightforward as in their films, where heroes are good and fight nasty villains and it is easy to tell who is which. Living in Albion which is heading towards a war with Europe, he finds it difficult to tell who the baddies are. They aren’t obvious and can pretend to be nice to get you onside. Things start to change when Alan’s kind, fair minded teacher is replaced by a stern, biased one. With everyone on the lookout for ‘traitors’ (anyone who says anything against Albion) everyone has to be careful what they say. Alan knows his dad isn’t a supporter of Albion or the coming war, but does that make him a traitor? As war draws near dad secretly takes Alan and his brother to No Man’s Land to live with a group of women who live outside Albion’s laws, which is even more confusing. Tired of waiting for his dad’s return, Alan acts for himself and runs off, but is unprepared for what he finds. This is a thought provoking novel for older juniors looking at friendships and the many different types of bravery. Also learning to look carefully at people, not jumping to conclusions and getting to know them before making judgements.

A Thing Called Snow Yuval Zommer (Oxford, £6.99) As winter approaches best friends, Fox and Hare, have been told they will be able to jump, leap and bounce in something called snow - but what is snow? They ask several animals, but each one only tells them one thing about snow which confuses the friends because they discover many white, fluffy or cold things on the way, but none are snow. When snow does fall they see it has many facets and it takes more than one thing to describe it. They also make friends along the way who look out for them. This is a charming picture book with lovely illustrations.