RIDING Lights Theatre Company is mounting two Christmas tours, one a circuit of the country with Goose Chase, the other a trip around Yorkshire with A Christmas Cracker.

Goose Chase, Antony Dunn’s feather-flying tale of the first Christmas, completes its nationwide travels back at the York company’s headquarters, the Friargate Theatre, in Friargate, where performances will be staged on December 22 and 23 at 3pm and 6pm.

Dunn’s tale of mystery is a startling reworking of an old Russian folk story, set in the depth of a Russian winter. What on earth could make frail old Baboushka cross hundreds of miles of snow on foot, and why is she armed only with a feather duster and a set ofRussian dolls?

Is it the whispers of revolution, fuelled by Igor, the oppressed singer and stable hand? Or could it be the birth of a harmless baby, the one that has King Herod in a really foul temper?

“Whatever the reason, the closer Baboushka gets to the end of her mission, the more it seems the only person she can trust is, well, a goose, because not everyone racing to find the baby is bringing gifts,” says Antony.

Riding Lights serves up a story full of laughter, excitement, traditional songs and carols with the company’s signature blend of riotous humour, warmth and colourful music that it has brought to Christmas shows since 1977.

Goose Chase is touring to primary schools, churches and arts venues from November 18 to December 23; the performance lasts approximately one hour and is suitable for ages five and over. Tickets for the York shows cost £8, concessions £5, on 01904 613000.

Meanwhile, Paul Birch’s new play A Christmas Cracker is on tour from November 17 to December 23, bursting with seasonal stories for all the family. Things are not going well for world-famous storyteller Ebenezeer Sneezer: he’s lost, there’s snow in his wellies, and his faithful dog Cracker has some strange ideas about Christmas.

When they are caught taking shelter in Mrs McGinty’s barn, she allows them to stay, but only if Ebeneezer can warm up her Christmas with his storytelling. If they bring her enough glad tidings, a hot supper is on the cards; if not, they will be thrown out in the storm.

“With Mrs McGinty’s frozen heart in need of a magnificent miracle and Deadly the dastardly donkey ready to kick comfort and joy out of his stable, will Ebeneezer triumph?” asks playwright Paul.

“Despite turbulent turkeys and hysterical hay fights, he has a plan and some tremendous tales to help turn things around.”

Again suitable for five year olds upwards, this hour-long show combines characteristic Riding Lights comedy with puppetry, seasonal story telling, warmth and charming music in a tale of many tales that offers a magical glimpse into the heart of Christmas.

A Christmas Cracker can be seen in York tomorrow at 5pm at Acomb Parish Hall, Front Street, Acomb (tickets £7, concessions £5, family of four £20, on 01904 790808), and on December 22 at 3pm at St Andrew’s Church, Huntington Road (tickets £6, £4, £20, on 01904 790808).