SET in the North Pole, written and directed by Helen Barrington, neither panto or cabaret, this show is a Christmas treat for the whole family.

On arrival we were greeted by a glamorous cast, all set to razzle dazzle you from the moment you walk in. The beautiful sparkling costumes were inventive and simply fab-u-lous. Costume designer Sue Simmerling (from New Milton) deserves a standing ovation.

Elves Pippin and Squash seemed to master the art of delivering corny jokes that made the whole audience laugh, and of course Benji and Bruce, the polar bears were keeping an eye on everyone.

What I didn’t see coming was the sheer infectious energy and passion from all of the cast of singers and dancers. The cast executed complicated dance routines, which added to beautiful harmonies and solos of the singers.

The story was beautifully presented follows Santa and his faithful helpers busily preparing for Christmas, when a new toy designer arrives in a bid to take over and ruin Christmas, leaving everyone in the North Pole frostier than ever, narrated at times by Santa himself (Bryan Newman), one of the best Santa’s I have seen.

However the sheer power of Mark Everitt (Jack F. Rost) singing, I Put a Spell on You, sent tingles down my spine, a voice that you would expect to hear in the West End.

Running right up to Christmas Eve, this Christmas cracker is guaranteed to fill you with festive spirit.