GOD rest you merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay, from Riding Lights comes this new Nigel Forde play.

On tour until December 23, the York theatre company presents God Rest You Merry, a festive family yarn set on Christmas Eve in a freezing car park outside a busy hotel, where a nervous group of carol singers is only too likely to be dismayed.

Soon the tidings of comfort and joy from the car-park set the hotel staff fighting among themselves - and with anyone else who stands in their way - and even the guests are dragged into the drama.

As the chaos escalates, the carol singers give the performance of their lives. What's more, with the arrival of the mysterious Hospodar of Moldavia - and his suspiciously camel-shaped companion - all Nel breaks loose, and the scheming landlord threatens to send the carollers to Coventry once and for all.

Spiced with seasonal songs and carols, God Rest You Merry features the characteristic Riding Lights blend of mystery, slapstick comedy and magical glimpses of the first Christmas. Those ingredients were present too in Forde's past Christmas works, On Christmas Night, When Worlds Collide, Angel At Large and The Christmas Conspiracy.

Tomorrow the tour visits Brandsby Village Hall, Brandsby, near York, where tickets for the 2.30pm performance cost £5 on 01347 888607 or on the door.

Further dates are: December 6, at 2pm, Eskdale School, Stainsacre Lane, Whitby, tickets 01947 602735; December 13, 4.30pm, St Philip and St James Church, Clifton, York, 01904 628552; December 20, 7pm, St Mary's Parish House, Castle Road, Scarborough, 01723 500541; December 22, 2.30pm and 6pm, Friargate Theatre, Lower Friargate, York, 0845 961 3000; December 23, 7pm, Harehills Lane Baptist Church, Hilton Place, Leeds, 0113 248 7691.

Please note, God Rest You Merry lasts one hour and is recommended for five year olds and upwards.

Updated: 10:29 Friday, November 28, 2003