It might be still too early to begin thinking about your Christmas shopping, but theatre tickets are another matter.

This year’s Christmas spectacular at the Rose Theatre was created especially for the venue – and ticket sales for The Snow Gorilla are already open.

Starring Brian Blessed as the voice of the titular ape, and featuring Torchwood and Tracey Beaker actor Ciaran Joyce, the show will dazzle and delight with high-flying antics, circus moves and live music, making full use of the theatre’s curved walls and high ceilings.

Rose executive producer Jerry Gunn says: “It quickly became clear that [co-producer] Steve Bor and the Rose shared a vision for a family Christmas spectacular in the Rose’s auditorium.

"With its curved walls and high ceiling it is perfect for circus and aerial performance.

"We quickly realised this production would be a wonderful opportunity to collaborate on a spectacular and original family show this Christmas.”

Bor says: “After initial conversations with the Rose Theatre we soon began collaborating with actor-director Tudor Davies again to develop the initial idea.

“Tudor has a great reputation for writing brilliantly funny and heart-warming scripts particularly for pantomime productions.”

Follow Sunny and run away to the circus for this Christmas adventure, which brings together storytelling and acrobatics for a tale of love and mystery.

Kids and grown-ups alike can watch as Sunny forges an unlikely friendship with The Mighty Gor, and tries gallantly to win the heart of the ringmistress’ beautiful daughter.

But all is not as it seems, as the circus hides a dark secret which threatens Sunny’s dream and his newfound happiness.

The Snow Gorilla; Rose Theatre, High Street, Kingston; November 29, 2013, to January 5, 2014; tickets £8-27; visit rosetheatrekingston.org or call 0844 4482 1556