Grab your festive passport and set off on a globe-trotting Christmas adventure

This Christmas, Derby audiences are invited to step into a magical new story with Merry Elwin – The Adventurous Elf.

The brand-new family show from The Lost Boys and Derby LIVE will be at Chapel Street Arts Centre from Thursday 11 December.

Merry Elwin is a spirited elf from the North Pole with a taste for adventure. Tired of staying in one place, Elwin sets off around the world to discover the many different ways Christmas is celebrated. From the twinkling markets of Germany to the vibrant Las Posadas in Mexico, and from sun-soaked Australian beaches to Japan’s dazzling illuminations, this festive journey is packed with wonder, joy and cultural diversity.

Created by the team behind A Christmas Carol and Fairy Tale: An Adventure with Lockheart and Hawkins, this enchanting new production promises warmth, music, mischief and plenty of festive cheer for the whole family. Tickets are priced at £15, with concessions available at £10, and audiences can also take advantage of our early bird discount, saving £1 per ticket when booking before Tuesday 30 September.

Writer and Director Paul Broesmith, of The Lost Boys, said:

We’re absolutely delighted to invite audiences on this magical journey with Merry Elwin, our adventurous Christmas Elf. The Adventurous Elf is a celebration of the joy, wonder and diversity that makes the festive season so special.

We’ve poured our hearts into creating a show that’s bursting with laughter, warmth and the spirit of discovery - perfect for families and anyone who loves Christmas. We can’t wait to share this new adventure and welcome everyone to experience the magic, the music and the mayhem that both The Lost Boys and I are known for!

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Culture and Tourism, said:

Christmas in Derby is always a special time, and this brand-new show from The Lost Boys and Derby LIVE promises to make it even more magical. Merry Elwin – The Adventurous Elf is a wonderful celebration of festive traditions from around the world, filled with fun, laughter and heart.

It’s fantastic to see local talent creating something that will bring families together, spark imaginations, and showcase the joy and diversity of Christmas. I’d encourage everyone to come along and join in this festive adventure right here in our city.

For around 20 years, The Lost Boys have brought their unique brand of humour and heart to every show. As producers of this year’s festive adventure, Paul and Ben have selected a brilliant cast to bring this story to life.

This show is a testament to the festive fun they’ve created for years, packed with the same madcap energy, tongue in cheek humour and family fun that Derby audiences all know and love. Look closely though - you might just spot a familiar face or two in some special on-screen cameos.

Free Creative Workshops for Schools

To make this year’s festive adventure even more special, The Lost Boys are offering free workshops for schools. These fun, interactive sessions are designed to explore traditional and cultural arts and crafts, develop creative writing skills inspired by the show, and provide behind-the-scenes insights into how the production was brought to life.

Students will get hands-on with creative activities, gain cultural awareness, and even have the chance to produce work that could feature in a partner exhibition or be incorporated into the show itself.

Merry Elwin - The Adventurous Elf will be on at Chapel Street Arts Centre in Derby from Thursday 11 to Tuesday 23 December. Book your tickets now!