Live Theatre has three festive productions on the go this Christmas (three!) all of which prove that it’s not all just wall-to-wall pantos in December.

Present (pictured) was a real wow when it hit Alphabetti Theatre in 2019, playing to sell-out audiences. An alternative Christmas fable – written and directed by Ali Pritchard – this version has seen the script extended and concerns Dave (Malcolm Shields) who embarks on an epic quest as he battles to buy a Christmas present for his six-year-old grandson. Full of humour and heart, it also features live music from the incomparable Ceitidh Mac. Danielle Slade’s Blitzen on the Tyne, meanwhile, is a gloriously wintery treat for children. A laugh-out-loud and visually sumptuous new production, it concerns Blitzen – the littlest reindeer of the pack – who gets waylaid en route from North to South Pole and gets washed up in – yep! – The Toon.  Finally, Santa at Live Theatre sees the big man himself taking time out from his busy schedule in order to tell a sparkling and interactive tale for the little ‘uns.

Present, 3-21 December, 7.30pm, from £10; Blitzen on the Tyne, 7-22 December, during the day (times vary), from £9; Santa at Live Theatre, 14-22 December, during the day (times vary), £10 per child – accompanying adults free, ages 3+. Live Theatre, Newcastle, live.org.uk