The Life And Adventures Of Santa Claus At Pitlochry Festival Theatre Review

Reviewed by Jo Hardy

This year the Pitlochry Festival Theatre are offering you a magical Christmas Package suitable for all the family.  The package includes your chance to watch the film The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus on a large screen in the grounds of the theatre under a canopy of trees, wander through the winter wonderland to Santa’s grotto to meet Santa in his sleigh where each child will be given a small gift and a link to watch the film again from your own home.
Drinks and snacks will be available to buy and as this is a total outdoors event portaloos will be available in the grounds, there is wheelchair access and the grounds are suitable for pushchairs.

Unfortunately I wasn’t able visit the venue but I was sent the link so I could watch the film from home.  The film has been adapted by Hannah Laverly from the book written by L Frank Baums who also wrote The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz.  It starts with a young girl setting up a trap in her bedroom on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus.  Instead of Santa she catches a fairy who proceeds to tell her the story of Santa Claus.  During the story we get the answer to some of those things we’ve always wondered about Santa.  Where was he born?  Baby Santa looked so cute in his baby sized red and white Santa hat. How did he get his name ? How come he never gets any older? and biggest question of all how does he manage to get it all done? Of course the man himself makes an appearance at the end.  Even my husband who has watched more Christmas films than anyone else I know has never found the answer to all of these questions.

We are also introduced to wood nymphs, knocks and Ryls and find out what part they played in the early years of santas life.  This is also a tale of good versus evil and how good always wins in the end.  This endearing little film is not a cartoon.  It’s live action and unlike such a lot of Christmas films the actors are not American.  It lasts just over 30 mins and is suitable for all ages.

What a great way to create some life long Christmas memories for all your family.It’s things like this children remember long after the novelty of the latest toy has worn off.  If your not feeling ready to have a large get together indoors this could be the answer.  The event is all outdoors.

So wrap up well against the Scottish weather, maybe take a cushion for extra comfort while your watching the film , and get into the Christmas mood.  No room for bah humbugs here.  Then later, maybe Christmas Eve you can cuddle up on the sofa with your children and watch the film again.

Rating: 4/5

Tickets are £10 pp off peak and £12 pp peak with a £2 pp discount for parties of four or more . All booked on the theatre web site.
Pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com
The events runs from 1st Dec to 23rd Dec 2021.