You are cordially invited to the Royal Christmas Ball! The most extravagant event of the century is here at last, and the whole kingdom is invited – from the richest reveller to the humblest servant.

In a kingdom decked with holly and hope, Ella lives a quiet life of chores, often cleaning out the cinders from the fire. But when the invitation to the grandest event of the year arrives, Ella's step-mother won't let her go to the Ball and her dreams seem further away than ever – until a little Christmas magic shows up in her hour of need. But will the magic last? Will she get back home in time? What happens when the magic runs out?

This story starts, like all others do, with 'Once upon a time'. Somewhere out in the great wide world, a world that has memories of fairytales, there is a town. This town has hopes and dreams, worries and fears and a boy called Jack. We join him hustling and bustling through the day to day, until...

Fee-fi-fo-fum!

...Giants. Giants are coming. And with that, those fairytales become a lot more real. Rumours start circulating. Panic starts spreading. Can Jack and his friends overcome their fears in time? Will they defeat the Giant and save the day? Come and clamber up the beanstalk with Jack this Christmas. Saltmine Theatre Company's reimagining of this classic story reminds us that we never have to face our fears alone - there is always someone bigger who has already overcome.

On the longest night of the year, Ruby's village is preparing for winter's most extravagant event – welcoming the 'Light' at the Christmas Party. However when local hero Austin crashes in to report a dangerous wolf on the loose, the celebration is thrown into jeopardy. Feared to be set on ruining festivities, the wolf is rumoured to threaten the very future of the town.

Guided by her sense of adventure – and a mysterious summons – it is down to Ruby to journey into the heart of the forest and discover the truth behind the stories. Who can she trust in this deep, dark wood?

Join us off the beaten track for a modern-day twist on this classic tale, as we come face to face with the big bad wolf and find out what it really means to belong.