This winter Cornwall’s Miracle Theatre whisks you off on an epic adventure into unknown |territories of entertainment with a show packed full of comedy and melodrama, not to mention some high-kicking can-can!

Dr Livingstone, I Presume? is the tale of the great explorer and his travels to the heart of Africa in search of the source of the River Nile – told from an unusual perspective.

Those familiar with Miracle’s winter shows may recognise ‘The Ffitch Repertory Players’ from shows such as Aladdin and The Revenge of Rumpelstiltskin. This time the Victorian travelling |theatre company is on the verge of collapse.

Their attempt to tell the story of the famous explorer via a series of music hall turns (song and ballet, ventriloquism and stand-up comedy) is as fraught with danger and catastrophe as any expedition into the heart of Africa.

This charming show, which is a revival of Miracle’s 1997 hit, written by Bill Scott and Steve Clarke, stars Miracle stalwarts Ben Dyson, Ciaran Clark, Holly Cassidy and, making his Miracle debut, Giles King.

Add an exquisite set and a rack of authentic music-hall style costumes, designed by Alan and Jude Munden, and you have an example why Miracle winter shows have gained a reputation for being just the ticket for a treat, whether you usually love a traditional panto or are looking for an alternative for a giggle-filled night out with family and friends.

Both a hurrah to courage and endurance and a swipe at the 19th century ideals of imperialism, chauvinism and hypocrisy, this curious slice of history is served up as a magnificent melange of musicality … and comes with a side dish of lion wrestling, bravo!

The tour opens on Thursday, December 4 at the Epworth Helston, before heading to Truro’s Burrell Theatre on the 5th and 6th. The tour continues to the Tolmen Centre on December 10 and 11 before taking up Christmas residency at The Poly in Falmouth.

Family and group deals available see www.miracletheatre.co.uk for times, dates and prices.