Two hungry children abandoned in the woods. A delicious house made of gingerbread. Hansel is not as brave as he boasts he is. Gretel is bolder than she thought she could be. The witch has a scheme that doesn’t quite work out. And the duck learns just how wise he can be…

Nottinghamshire County Council’s Children’s Pop-Up Theatre is serving up another treat as part of its latest production in county libraries in the run-up to Christmas.

A Tasty Tale is an exciting re-working of Hansel and Gretel featuring live music, rich poetic language, lots of laughs and scary bits that will entertain everyone aged seven and over. The play will be performed in five libraries from December 5 to 13. It will be supported by a number of exciting creative storytelling workshops in 12 libraries during the festive period.

Written by the late Noël Greig, who remains one of the country’s leading playwrights for drama for young children, and featuring Gary Lagden, the production is the latest project organised by the county council in partnership with The Spark Arts for Children and with National Lottery funding through the Arts Council England’s Grants for the Arts Libraries Fund.

Councillor John Knight, Committee Chairman for Culture, at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Our Children’s Pop-Up Theatre is an exciting idea to bring the page to the stage and it has captured the imagination of hundreds of people across the county already this year. A Tasty Tale is a fitting production to entertain the whole family in the run-up to Christmas and together with a programme of workshops, is a further demonstration of the variety of exciting events which take place in our libraries each week.”

Peter Knott, Area Director, Midlands, Arts Council England, said: “Libraries are essential places in our communities, full of stories, creativity and learning. It’s great to see the Arts Council’s investment in Nottinghamshire County Council’s Pop-Up Theatre bringing families together to enjoy an exciting retelling of a classic tale.”

Live performance dates and information:

• Saturday 5 December, Mansfield Central Library, 2pm Book Tickets: 01623 651 337

• Sunday 6 December, West Bridgford Library, 3.30pm Book Tickets: 0115 981 6506 – sold out

• Saturday 12 December, Newark Library, 11am Book Tickets: 01636 703966

• Saturday 12 December, Beeston Library, 4.30pm Book Tickets 0115 925 5168

• Sunday 13 December Worksop Library, 11.30am Book Tickets 01909 535353

Book tickets online, by phone or in person at a library. Please note libraries only stock tickets for their own date/venue.

Library members can take advantage of special discounted rates. If you are not yet a library member you can join today – it’s quick, easy and free to join. Ask in your local library or join online. There is a 10% Early Bird discount for all tickets purchased before November 15.

Come to your library for an hour of lively fun, where we’ll bring to life some stories and characters from your favourite fairy tales and create our own special version of Hansel and Gretel. This 60 min workshop will be suitable for children 7-12 years. The workshops are £2 per child with accompanying adults free. Places limited booking essential: Visit the library or telephone

• Sutton-in-Ashfield Library – Saturday 28 November 10.30am 01623 556 296

• Kirkby-in-Ashfield Library – Saturday 28 November 10.30am 01623 753 236

• Southwell Library – Saturday 5 December 10.30am 01636 812 148

• Mansfield Central Library – Sunday 6 December 11.30am 01623 651 337