A NATIONALLY-renowned children’s theatre group is coming to Wilsden to perform The Snow Queen.

Tutti-Frutti will present Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale in Wilsden Village Hall for children aged three and above, on October 20.

The hour-long show, which begins at 5pm, is a touring production from York Theatre Royal written by children’s playwright Mike Kenny and musician Ivan Stott.

The story tells of Kai and Gerda who have been friends for as long as they can remember. One day, in a whirl of magic and deception, Kai is pulled under the spell of the powerful Snow Queen of ice and coldness.

The action follows Gerda’s quest to save her friend and return life to normal. Her winter journey is about loyalty, loss and love and the dangers of the unknown.

Director Wendy Harris said: “It’s the perfect story to tell for an autumn and winter tour. The story goes through the seasons so we enjoy summer roses and the icy snow queen’s palace.

“With two central protagonists as children, both girls and boys get something from the story because although it’s called Snow Queen, it’s really about Kai and Gerda and their friendship. It’s lovely for the girl to be the one who rescues the boy – for a change!”

Mr Kenny said: “Hans Christian Andersen was probably the first proper genius storyteller for children. It’s 200 years since he was writing but we still tell The Ugly Duckling, The Princess and the Pea and The Emperor’s New Clothes.

“I’ve worked with Tutti-Frutti on a lot of plays over the years but maybe nothing quite this epic. At the heart of the story is a friendship.

“There’s something very moving about the boy who is so hurt that he closes off his feelings, and the girl who sets out to find him and through sheer force of will, melts that frozen heart.” Tickets are available from Wilsden Community Post office or by calling 01535 272786.

Before its Wilsden appearance The Snow Queen is spending several weeks at York Theatre Royal’s Studio Theatre, from September 27 to October 13.