DESMOND the camel is poised to become the unlikely star of a family Christmas play touring the diocese this December.

Laura Newell as Kash-Kash, one of Melchior's servants, alongside Desmond the camel in 'Melchior's Magical Mystery Quest'

Children will lap up his adventures alongside the three wise men in ‘Melchior’s Magical Mystery Quest’ by Nigel Forde. It is being staged by the Portsmouth-based Top Cat Theatre Company.

The play gives a new slant on the journey of the three wise men from their homes in Persia to see the much-heralded Messiah, born in Bethlehem. Scientist Melchior, poet Balthazar and philosopher Caspar see a mysterious star and are drawn to follow it. Desmond is Melchior’s mischievous camel, who eats everything from maps to underwear.

The play is being performed in churches from Cowplain to Southsea, and from Botley to Hayling Island, between December 5 and December 23.

Secondary school teacher Laura Newell, who plays one of Melchior’s servants Kash-Kash, said: “It’s a funny play, and lots of the humour revolves around Desmond. I think children will love him! But the play also takes in the wonder and mystery of the wise men’s search for the Messiah who will change their lives.”

The hour-long play is suitable for children aged five and above. Tickets are £4 for adults and £2.50 for children, and can be booked at each venue.

Christian drama specialists Top Cat Theatre Company previously toured south-east Hampshire with the family Christmas play ‘Scrub That Manger!’ in 2003 and 2004. Their productions over the past 11 years have also included ‘The Screwtape Letters’ by CS Lewis, the ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’ adaptation ‘Walkout!’ and an adaptation of the best-selling Philip Yancey book ‘What’s So Amazing About Grace?’

The full tour and box office details are as follows:

Wednesday 5 December (6pm): St Mary’s Church, Fratton Road, Fratton, Portsmouth (Box office: 023-9229 3020).

Saturday 8 December (7pm): St Wilfrid’s Church, Padnell Road, Cowplain (Box office: 023-9226 2295).

Sunday 9 December (10am): Church of the Resurrection, Penrhyn Avenue, Drayton, Portsmouth (Box office: 023-9242 1849 or office(at)farlingtonparish.co.uk).

Sunday 9 December (5pm): Paulsgrove Baptist Church, Woofferton Road, Paulsgrove, Portsmouth (Box office: 023-9237 7814).

Saturday 15 December (7.30pm): Market Hall, High Street, Botley (Box office: 01489-782445).

Saturday 22 December (10.30am): St James’ Church, Church Path, Emsworth (Box office: 01243-372428).

Saturday 22 December (6pm): Hayling United Reformed Church, Hollow Lane, Hayling Island (Box office: 023-9246 0742).

Sunday 23 December (4pm): St Jude’s Church, Kent Road, Southsea (Box office: 023-9275 0442).

For more details, see www.topcattheatre.com