The box of delights

Piers Torday's magical stage adaptation of the classic children's Christmas tale by John Masefield.

There are tricks, and then there's magic!After a seemingly chance encounter on a train, orphaned schoolboy Kay Harker finds himself the guardian of a small wooden box with powers beyond his wildest dreams.

Caught up in a battle between two powerful magicians, Kay fights to save not only the people he loves but the future of Christmas itself. Adapted by Piers Today from John Masefield's classic children's novel, this festive production opened at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, in October 2023, based on the original staging at Wilton's Music Hall, London, 2017. 'Very charming . . . and wildly imaginative.' Daily Telegraph (on the 2017 premiere)'A classic winter's night yarn told with energy and flair.' The Stage (on the 2023 revival)