‘Ee-awesome’ - Scarborough's Stephen Joseph Theatre's Wonkey Donkey's a festive treat for little ones

It still has all the ingredients of a seasonal show – silly shout-outs and sing-alongs – but the co-production between the theatre and Coventry University Scaborough is firmly aimed at the under six-year-olds.

Its plot is easy to follow in a show that is short, sweet, delightful and playfully presented by the students from the university.

Written by Kate Rose-Martin, its ingredients – a story set in Scarborough and featuring characters from the town – it complements the bigger seasonal show perfectly. Its themes of friendship, diversity and recycling are gently delivered. It’s mostly about having fun.

Wonkey Donkey has been giving children rides up and down the South Bay for as long as anyone can remember.

Now Scarborough’s favourite beach donkey is retiring and all her friends are planning a huge party.

To show how much they care they want to get her a very special gift, so they go in search of the Magic Christmas Carrot – a legendary carrot, said to be the tastiest carrot ever.

Along the way, the audience meets quirky characters, sings catchy songs and does all the actions which make the production a magical experience.

Director Chantell Walker makes sure the show trots at a fair pace, never lingering too long on a scene to allow little ones’ concentration or attention to wander too far from the action.

The performers ensure their characters are distinctive, engaging and entrancing. Sarah Elizabeth makes for a delightfully vain, loved and friendly WD – Wonkey Donkey.

The hard work of ensuring the young crowd shout, sing and move at the right time goes to Mya Haigh as WD’s best friend Billie Bywaters and she has the audience eating carrots out of her hand.

Putting in fine comic turns as Marvin Mouse and Sr Meltsalot is Leonardo Corless. Just for the grown-ups, he gives market trader Marvin a Del Boy vibe. Cushty.

Hayley Marie Jacobs rocked as Smidgen the Pigeon. The ensemble and understudies are Thomas Dawes, Harry William Lee, Aidan Mitchell and Olivia Whittle.

All performances are designed to chilled, allowing for noise and movement in the auditorium, as well as re-entry for anyone who may need time away from the performance.

Wonkey Donkey and the Magic Christmas Carrot can be seen at the Stephen Joseph Theatre at 10.30am on Tuesday December 16 to Thursday 18 December at 10.30am; on Saturday December 20 at 10.30am and 1.30pm and on Sunday December 21 and Monday December 22 at 10.30am and 2.30pm

Tickets are available from the box office on 01723 370541 and online at www.sjt.uk.com