The Sherling Studio Christmas shows at the Lighthouse Theatre in Poole are a huge past of the festive season for local theatre goers. Not only is it often a young person's first exposure to theatre, but the shows they put on are magical and capture imaginations. 

This year, the show gracing the studio's stage is The Glass Slippers by Tutti Frutti Productions. A reimagined version of the classic tale of Cinderella, with plenty a twist and turns. The show is aimed at younger audiences (suitable from age 3+), with a running time of 60 minutes, so I tasked my wonderful 5 year old princess obsessed reporter to let me know what she thought!

There is nothing better to get you in the festive spirit than attending a Pantomime. Layered in British tradition, the Panto is nothing but pure escapism for a couple of hours. It entertains everyone of all ages whilst not taking itself seriously to allow the audience to revel in hilarity and glee. 

The Bournemouth Panto is one highlight of the year for many locals. With familiar faces returning to the stages year after year, and local jokes that keep everyone amused, it's easy to see why it's a hit year after year. This year, the tale of choice was Jack and the Beanstalk. Whilst having some local competition with this show (which they even made a nod too); it had the audience engaged from the first "Boo" too the last "He's behind you!". 

 Picture the scene. You are a child settling down to watch your favourite show. An earnest young woman springs onto the screen and welcomes you into a world of diversity, colour, and magic. That show is Play Away, and that young woman is Floella Benjamin. Now imagine you are sat in the theatre, a TV screen bigger than you could have ever imagined is in front of you, and that very same young, animated woman has come to life on stage. The giddiness overcomes you and you feel transported to childhood. 

Floella Benjamin's award winning book of her move from Trinidad to England has now been created into a masterpiece of a play that is set to take the UK by storm. Coming to England has been adapted by David Wood and directed by Denzel Westley Sanderson for the stage and wowed audiences in the town where Floella took her first steps on British soil.