IF you think you know the stories of Alice in Wonderland and Little Red Riding Hood, think again.

The Palace Theatre is inviting youngsters to sample two very different versions of the tales, both presented by Booster Cushion Theatre, during the half-term break.

First up is Alan in Wonderland and the 3 Goats Plus..., which runs at the theatre’s Dixon Studio in London Road, Westcliff, on Tuesday, at 2pm.

The show creates a magical world with a slice of Alice in Wonderland, a generous helping of goats and a whole host of other helpers.

In the one-man show, audiences will see Alan arranging and re-arranging suitcases, finding a 3.5m concertina book from which to tell his story, and various moving puppets.

The non-traditional children’s comedy is suitable for youngsters of all ages.

On Wednesday, at 2pm, the theatre group presents Little Red Riding Hood and Friends, a comical mixture of fairy tales which is sure to delight children.

Again a solo show, it tells an enthralling adventure but from a book with no pages.

As a result, the audience must step in and help create the story.

The show engages a mixture of other fairy tales and nursery rhymes to make a plot where children meet Cinderella the pop star, audition to be the vegetarian wolf, dance the conga and rock to jack’s beans.

It is ideal for children aged between four and seven.

Before each of the shows, from 11am to 1pm, there is a family art workshop based on the forthcoming performance.

They will see youngsters join in the fun of puppet, collage and mobile making.

Workshops are £6 per child, and performances are £5 per child. Call 01702 351135 to book.