THE Unity’s Christmas shows have a way of reminding you of the power of simple story-telling – the tradition of sharing tales in front of an open fire on a crisp winter’s night.

Jeff Young’s Sinbad the Sailor even more so with puppets and songs embellishing the ancient art of spinning yarns.

There’s no need for an open fire, however, as the play’s exotic setting whisks the audience away to lands where the sun burns the back of your neck and stepping barefoot on to the sand is like treading a path of hot coals.

Within this enchanting environment, a group of travellers come together to share their stories about Sinbad – who is not a great hero but a mischievous liar and a thief who finds himself accidentally caught up in adventures.

The motley crew steps neatly into a whole variety of roles – chaotic sailors, giants, arguing kings and queens, stallkeepers at the enticing bazaar – with Mike Idris as Sinbad leading the cast.

Music and lyrics by Patrick Dineen adds humour and keeps the pace up, helping the action to swiftly change from scene to scene to keep its younger audience rapt.