A Norwich theatre has gone the extra mile this Christmas with a jam-packed festive programme complete with two shows and lots of free activities.

The Garage at Chapelfield North is running The Imagitorium Christmas festival and there is something for children of all ages.

The My First interactive shows for ages five and under have been running at the venue for the last six years and the 2022 offering is Into the Snow Globe, running from December 15 to 31. 

Eastern Daily Press: The cast of Operation Save Santa at The Garage in Norwich. The cast of Operation Save Santa at The Garage in Norwich. (Image: Andi Sapey)

It is taking place in the studio inside a snow globe where young families can join explorer Lucy (Hayley Thompson) battling blizzards and slinging snowballs. 

Sam Beal, set designer, said: "The task with My First: Into The Snow Globe was to create from scratch a magical, pop-up, mini theatre space where the interactive adventure could unfurl.

"The Snow Globe will also be popping up at the Workshop in King's Lynn from January 3 to 7."

The second production is a new concept show for children aged five to ten and their families and both are collaborations between The Garage and All-In Productions.

Eastern Daily Press: Elizabeth Green and Brayden Emmanuel as Flick and Seb in Operation Save Santa. Elizabeth Green and Brayden Emmanuel as Flick and Seb in Operation Save Santa. (Image: Andi Sapey)

Operation: Save Santa, running from now until January 8, takes place in the auditorium and follows siblings Flick (Elizabeth Green) and Seb (Brayden Emmanuel) who help Father Christmas deliver his presents.

While it is a more conventional show, the interactive element is still there when audiences enter and go through a naughty or nice machine that flashes green or red.

Eastern Daily Press: The naughty or nice machine at The Garage. The naughty or nice machine at The Garage. (Image: Louisa Baldwin)

Adam Taylor, executive director at The Garage, said: "Over the last six years of making My First shows our audience has grown up so we wanted to make a show for that older age group too.

"We are also offering free workshops this Christmas, including a comedy club for kids, as it has been a tough year for everyone." 

Eastern Daily Press: Daniel Burgess, director of All-In Productions, and Adam Taylor, executive director of The Garage. Daniel Burgess, director of All-In Productions, and Adam Taylor, executive director of The Garage. (Image: Louisa Baldwin)

Daniel Burgess, director of All-In Productions, said: "We have two incredible shows to lose yourself in for an hour, from the twins saving Christmas in Operation: Save Santa to journeying into the middle of a snow globe for an interactive adventure."

Book tickets to the shows and free workshops at thegarage.org.uk