A NEW production of the classic tale of Pinocchio at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough is set to provide "joyous, magical fun for all the family".

The family show about a wooden puppet and his adventures as he strives to become a real boy can be seen until December 31, and is the first show at the theatre to be directed by new artistic director, Paul Robinson.

Paul said: “We’re throwing everything we have at Pinocchio – it’ll be joyous, colourful, magical fun for all the family, with lots of catchy tunes, audience interaction and plenty of local jokes which author Nick Lane has written specially for us.”

Nick added: “I’m thrilled to be writing a show for the audiences of Scarborough – it’s as delightfully daft as the original story but with a few bonkers surprises.”

The show stars Joseph Hardy in the title role, while other cast members Pérola Congo, Anne-Marie Piazza, and Elliott Rennie play nearly 30 different roles between them. All four actors are also musicians, and play live music on stage.

Pinocchio features new music by Simon Slater, who hails originally from Scarborough. Simon was nominated for an Olivier Award in 2013 for his sound design on Constellations in the West End; most recently, he was musical director on the National Theatre’s lauded production of Amadeus.

The show’s designer is Tim Meacock, with lighting design by Paul Stear and choreography by Erin Carter.

Tickets cost from £9 to £16, and are available from the box office on 01723 370541 or via sjt.uk.com