CRITICALLY acclaimed outdoor theatre company The Pantaloons make their debut at Shaftesbury Arts Centre with their hilarious, fast-paced adaptation of Dickens’s festive favourite A Christmas Carol.

With a cast of just four actors, this production is sure to put a smile on even the glummest face (even Scrooge’s), using audience interaction, puppetry, slapstick, original music and traditional carols.

The Pantaloons formed in 2004 and their reach, popularity and reputation has grown each year.

Their 2010 tour of A Christmas Carol was a sell-out success and so, by popular demand, they have resurrected the show for a bigger and better tour this Christmas. Full of contemporary twists to make this much loved tale even more memorable it's already being hotly anticipated.

Mark Hayward, who has toured with the company since the beginning, said: “Our style is accessible for everyone, from little children who enjoy the bright colours to teenagers who enjoyed seeing new life breathed into an old classic. It also appeals to people who have never seen a theatre production before to die-hard Dickens fans who get all the inter-textual jokes.

“Everyone loves the interaction, the fun nature and the lively music and it's just something different.”

He added: “In our productions the audience’s imagination is just as important as ours and we invite them into the world of the play and a scene’s direction can completely change based on an audience member’s suggestion.

“Last year’s tour completely sold out so we're pleased to have the opportunity to take the show on the road again. We are thrilled to be performing in Shaftesbury at the Arts Centre.”

The show is on December 3 at 2.30pm and 5pm in Shaftesbury Art centre, Bell Street, Shaftesbury. Call 01747 854321.