ORIGINALITY is a concept rarely unwrapped on stage at Christmas. Tried and tested shows are often found under the tree, and audiences pretty much know what to expect from the moment the dame walks on. So it's refreshing to find a new seasonal show waiting in the wings. This year Chickenshed - that's what it's now called after a rebrand - is staging its first original Christmas musical since The Night Before Christmas 12 years ago. Ushering James Barrie and Lewis Carrol gently backstage the Southgate-based company presents an intriguing new production, Grimm Nights & Everafter Days from next Wednesday to January 13. Written by one of its leading lights, Dave Carey, with input from the Shed's creatives, it sounds a wonderfully weird fusion of some of the lesser known tales from the Brothers Grimm. There's Hansel & Gretel and Rumpelstiltskin, but also twelve dancing princesses and a band of travelling musicians. "It's a bit like Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods," said Dave. "Which meshes together various fairytales, although he focused on some of the more traditional stories. A couple of years ago I had the intention of moulding together tales but I couldn't find a through line. But this time round everything fell into place." Dave's "through line" is the two innocents, Hansel and Gretel, who enter the enchanted forest and meet various characters in their attempt to get back to their father. Featuring a genuinely sinister stepmother the show has a dark side which should make it a more satisfying experience than the ubiquitous pantomime. "It is dark but it's still a family Christmas show with lots of humour - a little bit like the Alan Rickman character in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves," said Dave. "I tried the plot out on my kids and they didn't throw their books at me, which I count as a very good sign!" As always, at the Chickenshed, Dave's script is just a part of the collaborative process which involves the whole creative team, many backstage staff, and a cast of hundreds. Director Mary Ward and song smith Jo Collins are again orchestrating proceedings while choreographer Christine Niering plays an important role which included reimagining a Chechen folk dance for her crack team of youngsters. "We had this amazing company from Chechnya visit us over the summer," said Mary, taking a break from rehearsals. "They were quite inspiring and we decided to incorporate one of their dances into the show in the tale of the twelve princesses." Magic and the power of stories are what the 32-year-old Shed has always been about, and the Christmas show is the perfect platform for two of its guiding principles. "Fairytales are always there for you," said Mary. "How we've approached this show is to transform the whole theatre into an enchanted forest; so when people leave at 10pm they would hopefully feel as though they've had a magical experience before slipping back to reality." Grimm Nights & Everlasting Days runs at The Rayne Theatre, Chickenshed in Chase Side, Southgate until January 13. Evening performances start at 7.30pm with matinées at noon, 1pm and 3.30pm on various dates. Tickets range from £8.50 to £17. For more details, see What's on or for reservations call the Box Office on 020 8292 9222.