THE West End is coming to Christchurch for Christmas, as an annual festive show returns to the town.

The Glad Rag Production Company is staging its annual Christmas Spectacular at the Regent Centre from December 18 to 24 for its tenth year.

This year’s story follows Santa and his elves as they realise that Christmas Spirit is too low to fly the sleigh. The team take a trip to Christchurch to spread Christmas cheer, but a mix up means that some of the towns biggest Scrooges end up in Christmas town.

Christmas Spectacular 2021 promises a musical blend of up-beat dance routines, popular ballads and Christmas favourites all performed by theatre professionals and adorable elves. The score includes seasonal hits such as Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Step into Christmas and White Christmas.

Costumes are supplied by West End costumier Sue Simmerling, of Christchurch's Carry on Costumes, whose theatrical credits include numerous West End hits including White Christmas, Big the Musical and Elf the Musical, having also created costumes for a range of stars including Paul O'Grady, Christopher Biggins, Matthew Kelly, Aled Jones, Laurence Llewelyn Bowen, Brian McFadden, Maureen Nolan and Les Dennis.

The team are currently busy in the workshop making costumes for this year’s pantomime, Aladdin, at the Cambridge Arts Theatre, as well as custom made creations for Butlins and P&O Cruises.