For the first time in the short history of the Ark, the nautical, if not the biblical, resonances of the building's name and design have been extensively realised in a play on its stage. Bedecked in rope and stripped of its usual seating cushions, the theatre is a ship, and the audience of mostly four to six-year-olds are the members of a "wicked pirate crew". Otherwise, this is familiar festive fare from musical director Nico Brown and the gang, who have devised Christmas Island collectively. As usual, the priorities are energy, invention and audience participation; niceties such as script and choreography don't get much of a look-in.

With Louis Lovett directing around Joanna Taylor's underutilised design, the chaos doesn't climb all the way up the rigging in the manic way we've grown to expect (for which some parents may be grateful afterwards). The fitful elements of story are engaging and original enough - though the short narrative of cold-hearted Pirate Bill and his effort to prevent Christmas is surely worth a barrel of rum to the estate of Dr Seuss.

Still, the name of the game here is music; the addition to this year's cast of Tara Flynn adds a lovely voice and some star quality to the line-up. And in addition to the dotes joining in for Jingle Bells and Away in a Manger (aaahhh . . . ), Brown has brought us another cracking sing-along song of his own. The Ark remains the capital's best theatrical value for families in the holiday season.

Further public performances are on December 28th-30th, and January 2nd-3rd. Booking: 01-670 7788.