THIS Christmas, forget your preconceptions and enjoy a new twist in an old tale at Bristol Old Vic.

Director Sally Cookson's fun-filled fairy tale Sleeping Beauty has been brought bang up to date with a new spellbinding story starring a boy, Prince Percy, who was loved by his kingdom but cursed to prick his finger and sleep for 100 years. Once upon another time there was a girl, Deilen who was loved by her grandmother but got lost on her quest to mend her broken heart. What could happen when she accidentally wakes the sleeping Prince?

The production reunites the creative minds behind Bristol Old Vic favourites Peter Pan and Treasure Island, a team whose theatrical chemistry is hotly anticipated each year. Set to continue our tradition of presenting the most imaginative, entertaining and festive musical theatre at Christmas, Sleeping Beauty will be a rite of passage adventure for all the family to enjoy.

For younger audiences, the Old Vic Studio is transformed into a wintry wonderland for The Night that Autumn Turned to Winter; a brilliant performance which is sure to enthral and delight with songs, instruments, puppets and plenty of wintry surprises.

Little Bulb Theatre, in co-production with Bristol Old Vic and Farnham Maltings, indulges in a frenzy of nut gathering and nest building in a magical world full of stories, songs and silliness.

Winter is on its way, and deep within the wild wood animals of all shapes and sizes are busy getting ready for the cold season ahead. Meet the mice, find the fox and hear the hares on the night that their world turns into a magical snow shimmering wilderness. Additional woodland creatures are very much invited!

The Night That Autumn Turned To Winter runs until January 10 and Sleeping Beauty until January 7. Visit www.bristololdvic.org.uk for ticket details.