SPRiTES

SPRiTES runs at Scarborough Library & Information Centre from 12 to 23 December, a storytelling show built from puppetry, music and sensory surprises. It's made for small groups of children aged four to nine and their families, and it's from the producers of GRUE.

The story follows Lina, a curious five-year-old who's had a rubbish day at school and storms into a forgotten corner where sprites are sleeping. She's led into their enchanting world, settles into a magical glade to hear a story from her unusual new friends, and then gets creative in a craft den, all while staying cosy and warm indoors. It's billed as an intimate alternative to the traditional Christmas show, and it looks at friendship, kindness, big feelings, curiosity and our connection to the natural world.

There's a community side to it too: four free workshops run on Saturdays throughout November, led by a professional artist. Local children and families make sculptures, flowers and props from natural and found materials that find their way into the finished production, and each child takes home a wildflower seed bomb to plant.

Behind the scenes, the show is written by Hannah Davies, with Anna Bean on design, Rach Drew directing, Nick Granville-Fall on sound and Jess Brigham on lighting. It's held on the first floor of the library at Vernon Road, YO11 2NN, with lift access and ground-floor accessible toilets.

Sessions run daily from 12 to 23 December, each lasting 50 minutes. From 12 to 17 and 19 to 23 December, there are slots at 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 and 4:30pm; on 15 and 16 December there's a 4:15pm session; and on 17 December, times are 4:00, 5:00 and 6:00pm. It's Pay What You Can, with a suggested donation of £6 per ticket.