One of the best things about Chickenshed’s annual Christmas show is that it somehow manages to be both reassuringly familiar and at the same time, full of creativity and surprises. This year, their 21st century take on Pinocchio, The Toymaker’s Child, takes us on an epic adventure with Katy (at our performance, Beatrice Afhim) and PIN:0Cch10 (Courtney Dayes), a 3D printed teen – or “printeen” – created by Katy’s father (Gabriel Palmer) and brought to life using a microchip he found discarded in a bin. It’s not long before the two find themselves on the run and at the mercy of unscrupulous villains Mr Cunning (Demar Lambert) and Kat (Cara McInanny). Can they escape and find their way home? And will PIN:0Cch10 ever get to experience a feeling?

Written by Dave Carey and directed by Michael Bossisse, Bethany Hamlin, Cara McInanny and Jonny Morton, the show tackles very current issues like the rise (and risks) of AI, and the polarising effects of the media. But at its heart, it’s a story about friendship and humanity, which is, after all, what Chickenshed is all about. With a cast of 600 split across 4 rotating groups, it’s a perfect showcase for inclusivity, with young people of different abilities and backgrounds coming together to create something beautiful. The sign language, provided by eight “augmentors” dressed as toys, is seamlessly integrated and adds another level of inclusivity to this wonderful production.

As with most Chickenshed Christmas shows, the production features several musical numbers, more than one of which proves to be a bit of an ear worm (I’m still singing “Follow Me”, which closes Act 1, two days later) and which range from solos to big group numbers that give multiple cast members a moment to shine, and impress with their slick choreography. Even though it happens every year, the production’s closing scene, which sees the entire cast take to the stage for a final performance, never fails to make an impact.

In addition to the ensemble set pieces, the show also boasts some fantastic solo performances. Courtney Dayes is perfectly robotic as the intelligent but emotionless PIN:0Cch10, contrasting nicely with Beatrice Afhim’s passionate and often exasperated Katy. Demar Lambert and Cara McInanny bring a distinct Thénardier vibe to their wickedly comic portrayal of Mr Cunning and Kat, and Ashley Driver is equally hilarious as Mike the news anchor man, sporting an array of wigs and introducing a host of irrelevant guests. Meanwhile Bethany Hamlin shines as the Accidental Blue Fairy – a singing waitress longing for her big break, who helps the two girls in more than one hour of need.

Funny, heartfelt and clever, The Toymaker’s Child is another great Christmas show from Chickenshed. But feelings aside (sorry PIN:0Cch10), it’s also technically an incredible achievement; managing such a large cast, making it so easily accessible, and still telling a great story is something we shouldn’t take for granted. As Chickenshed heads into its 50th anniversary year, we can only hope that there are many more shows like this in its future.

The Toymaker’s Child continues at Chickenshed until 13th January.