AMID the ‘it’s behind yous’ and flamboyant pantomime costumes, it’s gratifying to see a show that relies purely on the magic of imagination and The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus, based on the book by L Frank Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz, has all the wonder of Christmas wrapped up in one bright, shiny package.

Deep in a forest glade a human orphan named Claus is discovered by wood nymphs and grows into a stroppy and yet curious teenager under their care. One day the Master Woodsman decides to teach the boy about the world he came from and so Claus embarks on a mission to make the lot of his fellow man a little lighter by making toys for all the little boys and girls.

This co-production between artsdepot and Big Wooden Horse uses a simple set made of stout wooden boxes that turn into a sleigh, cupboards full of gifts and a chimney in the blink of an eye. Three accomplished performers take on the roles of various woodland creatures, reindeer and also the main characters of Claus (Andrew Pugsley), the Queen of the Nymphs/Jack Frost (Holly Beth Morgan) and Master Woodsman (Ed Burnside).

Packed with funny jokes, inventive puppets, enchanting songs and tons of opportunities for the audience to join in, Santa Claus is both a beautifully crafted story and an engaging piece of theatre that deserves to be as popular as Baum’s other, more famous story.

The show runs to Sunday, January 3. Tickets: 020 8369 5454, www.artsdepot.co.uk

Melanie Dakin