THE musical adaptation of Beatrix Potter’s The Tailor of Gloucester is coming to Salisbury Playhouse this month, following the dressmaker and her cat in a race against time to get the mayor’s new coat ready in time for Christmas.

The children’s tale will be brought to life on the Salberg stage with music, puppetry and magic, transformed by composer Glyn Kerslake and writer and Wiltshire Creative artistic director, Gareth Machin.

“This follows on from the previous two shows Glyn and I have written together – The Night Before Christmas and Little Robin Redbreast – both of which focused very much on Christmas, so we were looking for one more story with the same qualities of anticipation and the excitement of Christmas that children love,” explains Gareth.

“Our version of The Tailor of Gloucester is more traditional but it is a fresh retelling of the story.”

When asked why Beatrix Potter tales are so successful, Gareth said: “Children relate to animals and cuddly toys and that all feeds into the success of the Beatrix Potter films.

“There are good narratives - enough happens to keep children engaged. There’s also humour and a sense of play and fun in her stories.”

According to Gareth it is “really important” to offer smaller productions around the festive season.

He added: “You’re closer to the actors, the actors interact with the children, it’s a very different experience.”

The Tailor of Gloucester will run in the Salberg from December 9 to 28.

For tickets or more information go to wiltshirecreative.co.uk or call 01722 320333.