Once upon a time, there was a form of entertainment called ciné-variety that mixed live acts with one-reel films. In a way this will be revived on 26 July 2008 with a double bill combining a marvellous piece of puppet theatre with a classic animation movie: a joint promotion by the Gable End Theatre and the Film Society.

In The White Cat, Jabberwocky, from Angus, have created a magical piece of storytelling based on a story by E. Nesbit, a beautiful tale full of wonder, surprise and the transforming power of love, told by one actor, Alan Finlayson, and six finely crafted puppets. Audiences - both adults and children - have been enthralled, saying it is quite unlike any other puppet show they ever saw before.

An old king has three sons. The two eldest are greedy and vain, the youngest honest and true. Three tasks lie ahead, involving a dark wood, a magic castle and a beautiful cat. Will the youngest son make the right choice and pass the final test?

Three Weeks in Edinburgh gave the production a rating of 5/5: 'This perfect show is puppet theatre at its best. Alan Finlayson, aided by sophisticated design and a wonderful soundtrack, delights with the story . . . makes it laugh out loud funny, heart warming and completely engrossing . . . This show is pure joy.'

It is particularly suitable for children of 7+, but is otherwise recommended for children - and adults - of all ages.

The film is the enchanting The Adventures of Prince Achmed (cert. PG), first released in 1926 as the first feature-length animation ever. It has been remastered from a colour-tinted print and given the original orchestral score as a soundtrack. The pioneer animator was Lotte Reiniger. She told her stories from The Arabian Nights using 300,000 silhouette cutouts, a task that took her three years. This pre-Disney film is part of the transition from the magic lantern and shadow theatre to today's computer-manipulated images.

Both parts of the programme last about an hour each.

Tickets for the whole show are £6, £5 (age concessions) and £3 for school-age children. To book phone 01856 701301.