Santa Claus is coming to town

I'VE finally done it: I've met Father Christmas. He walks in, serene smile on his face, white beard, soft red trousers around a thickened stomach, and those shiny black books.

- ANDY PHILLIPS

He is a bit sweaty as well. But this is a busy time for him after all - especially as he is in a show at Theatre Royal Plymouth starting next week.

Raymond Briggs' Father Christmas is coming back to The Drum from Thursday, November 28, bringing to life the classic story of the day in the life of the red suited gift-giver which was first published in 1973. Also turned into a film adaptation voiced by Mel Smith, the story is a warm fuzzy look into the ordinary life of Father Christmas, in the day leading up to Christmas Day itself.

Star Nathan Masterson, who is originally from Manchester but now lives in Devonport, also fronted the show last year. He said he is thrilled to have returned for another run through to December 28.

"I was in the production last year, and what's lovely is that all the cast have come back," he said. "We have the same stage manager as well, so unlike last year where we had two weeks where we were discovering what to do, we're just filling in the blanks and getting the muscle memory back into gear." He didn't take long to agree to take part when he was offered the role in November last year.

He said: "It took me about half a second to say yes: It's just a magical thing to be a part of.

There is puppetry, acting, music, and it all comes together in this beautiful, nostalgic warm hug of a festive show.

"The responses we've had have been beautiful.