Once upon a time . . . a carpenter finds a magic piece of wood. He makes it into a puppet to be the son he's always wanted. Pinocchio is very happy living with his father. But he longs to be a real boy and not a puppet any more. This can only happen if he learns to be good. But however hard he tries, he just can't help getting into mischief!Pinocchio sets off into the world. With a thirst for adventure but a shaky sense of right and wrong, he's an easy target for the tricksters of the world. Can he escape from the wicked puppet-master? Will he overcome temptation and learn to be brave, truthful and unselfish? And, with the Blue Fairy's help, will he become a real boy?This magical Christmas production of Pinocchio opened at the New Vic Theatre, Stafford in November 2004.