THE hunt for Santa’s elves is on after they left the Pole for their summer holidays and have not returned!

Badapple Theatre’s The Elves and The Carpenter is back after last year’s big hit with audiences, complete with all its usual comic capers, songs, puppets and festive fun.

Kate Bramley’s original Christmas story takes to the road today, travelling through the Yorkshire, Durham and the Midlands until December 29.

The Elves and the Carpenter is a magical mix of theatre, songs, clowning, puppetry, music and animation following the adventures of Mrs Claus who finds mischievous missing Elves hiding among the up-cycling at Mrs Carpenter’s shop. Their attempt to help complete her Christmas order has not worked as they had hoped, and Mrs. Claus must restore order and get them back to the Pole on time.

Kate Bramley, writer, says: “This is our seventh year of touring a totally original family show at Christmas, which is always a good laugh for grandparents and parents, let alone the kids!

The Elves and the Carpenter is no exception, as Mrs Claus has to travel the world to clear up the mess the naughty Elves are leaving in their wake.”

This Christmas comedy is perfect for all ages.

Starring Sarah Raine as Coco and Frances Tither as Biscuit, directed by Richard Kay and Kate Bramley. Original songs and music are by Echo columnist Jez Lowe (SONY award-winning singer songwriter and recent BBC Radio 2 collaboration with Michael Morpurgo Alone on a Wide Wide Sea).

The Elves and the Carpenter, Tickets available from 01423 339168 or www.badappletheatre.com. Tomorrow, Belmont Parish Hall, DH1 2QR. Call 0191 384 8348 for more details. Tickets £8.50/£4 under16s/£20 family (2+3) 6pm