CHRISTMAS is coming early to The Haymarket next week with The Night Before Christmas.

The festive tale, which follows a mouse called Eddie on an adventure to find Father Christmas, is being staged in Basingstoke next Monday and Tuesday.

Joining the Big Wooden Horse Theatre Company production is Lane Stewart – playing Dymotron the robot and dad – who is returning for the second year running.

He said: “The story centres around Eddie who can’t understand why only human beings celebrate Christ-mas, so he tries to find Father Christmas as he comes to leave presents.

“On the way, he meets Dymotron the robot and Lizzie the Christmas Fairy, and they help him find Father Christmas. There is also the threat of a giant cat.”

He added: “It’s all about the magic of Christmas and it captures people’s imagination and all the excitement of Christmas Eve.

“We had such a lovely reception from all our audiences last year and we [the cast] have built up a good relationship off stage so I’m looking forward to being together over Christmas.”

The actor, who toured with the company’s production of Don’t Let The Pigeon Stay Up Late earlier this year, said the festive show has no age barriers and includes several upbeat songs.

He said: “It is witty for the older children and there is some audience participation. They follow the story through Eddie who addresses the audience directly, so there is plenty of engagement with the crowd.”

Four performances are running at The Haymarket – at 2pm and 5pm on Monday, and 11am and 2pm on Tuesday – and the show, which runs for one hour, is suitable for families and children aged from three years old.

All tickets cost £8 and can be booked from the box office, on 01256 844244, or online at anvilarts.org.uk.

The show is also running for four performances at Theatre Royal Winchester on Saturday and Sunday.

More information is available by calling 01962 840440 or at theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk.