Fairytale endings abound as Creation Theatre prepares to launch its festive show. KATHERINE MACALISTER gets the lowdown from founder David Parrish.

If there is a Christmas fairytale that’s full of hope and goodwill to all men, it’s got to be Creation’s festive show, because not only does Hans Christian Andersen’s Magical Tales look set to smash box office records, but Creation’s survival is a miracle in itself.

Two summers of flooding and rain had brought Oxford’s favourite outdoor theatre company to its knees and its future looked bleak.

But the city’s inhabitants came to the rescue and through a series of donations and loans have kept it afloat to fight another day. And Creation is celebrating its survival with this stunning Christmas show, which opens on Tuesday, designed to prove once more that Creation is still on top of its game, despite the elements.

Creation’s backbone David Parrish, who created the theatre company 13 years ago and has clung on to his seat for dear life during the roller-coaster ride of the last few years, says ticket sales are healthier than ever.

And he hopes that if the fundraising continues and the audiences keep coming, Creation will be back this summer.

“Yes, it’s been a hard year, but one thing I have learned while running a living, breathing and growing theatre company is how to cope with the disasters, and knowing that 24 hours later something else will come along to turn things around.

However, it has been a challenging year,” he said tactfully. “Even an average summer would have meant that we would not have lost a penny but 2008 was quite remarkable.

“And it’s only because so many people turfed up to help out or donate money that we are still here, which I have been thrilled and delighted about because it shows that Oxford still wants us on the cultural map. The support has been unbelievable.”

And while the rescue package was being prepared, behind the scenes Creation’s creative team were making sure that this year’s Christmas extravaganza, was just that, and are hugely excited about Hans Christian Andersen’s Magical Tales.

Anyone who saw Arabian Nights will know what they are in for. Six tales beautifully re-enacted and linked in the mystical mirrored tent in Cowley’s BMW plant, complete with cabaret style tables, freshly made crepes and a bar, sets the scene.

Best-loved fairytales including The Emperors New Clothes, The Little Mermaid and The Princess and the Pea, and many more, will be brought to life as you’ve never seen them before, with fantastic adventures, incredible characters, magical effects, laughter and song.

“Hans Christian Andersen’s Magical Tales will deliver a magical Christmas experience to delight thousands and thousands of people, because it has a hugely talented and funny cast. Anyone who has been before will know what they’re in for and those that haven’t should just come and have a look,” he concludes.

Hans Christian Andersen’s Magical Tales runs from 25 November 2008 until 17January 2009.Tickets cost from £8 and from Tuesday 25-Wed 3 Dec all booked tickets in Band A&B are £5 cheaper, subject to availability. Box Office on 01865 766266 or at www.creationtheatre.co.uk