Audiences young and old are sure to be enchanted by the latest offering from the The Big Wooden Horse Theatre Company, which takes to the stage at Finchley’s artsdepot this Christmas.

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus tells the story of Father Christmas’s early years, and explains the reasons behind many of the actions with which we associate him.

The play is based on the book by L Frank Baum, who also wrote The Wizard of Oz.

Young Santa Claus lives deep in the woods in a world inhabited by delightful characters that include The Master Woodsman, the mischievous elves, the original reindeer Glossie and Flossie, the ever-so-helpful forest fairies, the good hearted Gnome King and the chilly rogue Jack Frost.

When snowflakes fall and the air grows colder, Claus has a twinkle in his eye as he prepares to deliver toys to every boy and girl.

This production is the UK premiere of The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus. It marks a return to artsdepot by The Big Wooden Horse, who created last year’s successful show The Night Before Christmas at the venue.

The performances are suitable for anyone over the age of four who has ever wondered why we hang up stockings on Christmas Eve, how Santa met the reindeer and why he comes down the chimney.

Find out everything you ever wanted to know when The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus comes to artsdepot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, from Saturday, December 5 until Sunday, January 3.

Tickets: 020 8369 5454, www.artsdepot.co.uk (£10, family £32).