Sheffield one-man show The Santaland Diaries looks at real life in Santa's grotto

The Santaland Diaries is a one-act play set in New York about a down-on-his-luck actor who works as Crumpet the elf at Macy's department store during the holidays.

It comes to Theatre Deli, Sheffield on December 4 and 5. Website: www.theatredeli.co.uk

Based on essays by David Sedaris, it is a funny account of the brutality and ruthlessness of commercialism at Christmas time.

Crumpet takes the audience on a journey of tales from the grotto - demanding parents, overtired and vomiting children, celebrity visits and just the general day-to-day elf warfare.

Crumpet is played by Laurie Nelson, who trained in London and New York and has worked as an actor and director on both sides of the pond.

Hey Up Theatre Company produces new works and revivals, using local, professional talent. Their first outing was the world premiere of new writing, Me Brother Dan, which played at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield.

The recommended age for The Santaland Diairies is 14-plus.