Another ace production of Elf - this time at Blackpool's Layton Institute

It means that the resort will be blessed with no less than two separate productions of the same show at the same time, as a large scale version of Elf has also just been announced for the Opera House.

But the team behind the Layton Institute show say their version will offer a very different experience.

It is being performed by Fylde Dramatic Arts and dancers from AVR Dance, who are believed to be the first amateurs in the country to be granted permission to perform it.

The producers have also gone to extraordinary efforts to ensure social distancing, both on stage and in the audience.

The show is based on the popular festive film starring comedy star Will Ferrell, which sees Buddy the Elf leaving Santa at the North Pole to seek his real father in New York.

Amie Rutherford, the choreographer with AVR dance and a co-company director of Fylde Dramatic Arts, said: "It is a feel-good show and I think it is something we all need after the year we've had.

"It has been a real challenge to put it on, because of the lockdown - the dancers have had to learn the choreography from a pre-recording I prepared for them, and the actors learnt all their moves when they were able to meet the director before things shut down again.

"After December 2, we'll all meet up and put it together.

"Social distancing is important - the dancers are all in their own social bubbles and will be distanced from the actors, who will also stay one metre apart.

"Social distancing of the audience will be no problem."

The show will boast a live orchestra, LED screen backdrops with magical special effects and a cast of talented, mixed-age Fylde coast performers, led by Lytham's Rowan Keane as Buddy.

Amie said the group were surprised by the announcement on Thursday that the same show was being staged at the Opera House, but she added: "Our show will very different, more intimate and we have our own audience.

"My view is that we should all support each other so we'll be going to the Opera House to see their show once ours is over.

"For fans of Elf, Blackpool is the place to be!"

The Layton show is being directed by Nigel Machin.

It is being staged at Layton Institute from Thursday December 17 to Sunday December 20, although tickets for the Friday (December 18 show have already sold out.

It begins at 7pm each night apart from Sunday, with shows at 1pm and 6pm.

For ticket details visit Layton Institute Facebook page, the Event Brite site or via https://fb.me/e/1BiYLf24W