If only teachers (and parents, come to think of it) could bottle Robin Hemmings’ magical knack with children, the next generation’s future would be in good nick.

With his charmingly plasticine face, Robin had all the youngsters assembled for his one-man show mesmerised.

An Oxford School of Drama alumnus, he seemed to know exactly what would tickle the funny bone of Story Museum visitors — and that equates to an intoxicating cocktail of music, mime, culture and light scatological humour. Well... this is a children’s show, after all, and Robin, like all the best entertainers, knows that a well-timed ‘Poo!’ will always go down a storm (not least when it is emanating from a grumpy old Ebeneezer Scrooge).

For the last three Christmases since moving to Oxford, a visit to The Story Museum has been a ritual with my now six-year-old Amber. She loves the cartoon workshops and fabulous exhibitions (Narnia in 26 Characters is well worth a peep with your youngsters), while I’m a sucker for the gift shop cafe and I always covet the classy-yet-organic twinkly decorations that festoon your welcome.

A fairylit corner of the first floor, strewn with magic carpets, was the enchantingly classy setting, where Robin came hurtling in on a bike in his postman’s uniform. No child could fail to identify with his enthusiasm as he set about introducing himself and then unfurling the story of how the robin got his red breast at breakneck speed. His knack for impressions, while strumming his guitar with Bob Dylanesque ease, made for an extremely festive hour (including a 15-minute interval in which to stuff you and yours with candy canes). Whether portraying a howling winter wind or the whimsical scatter and scurry of a shoemaking elf troop, he seemed to take every member of the audience — young and old — on a journey to a much more Christmassy place.

“A story is a gift you can give away, and yet keep forever,” said Robin. And, just like the wonderful Story Museum itself, his show delivers on every level.

Snow and Tell
The Story Museum, Oxford
Until January 4, varied times
Tickets: £4-£7.50. Call 01865 305305 or visit ticketsoxford.com to book
Also visit storymuseum.org.uk