Soul Church Norwich's annual festive show has proved one of its most successful yet having welcomed more than 8,000 visitors. 

The annual event hosted by the church in Mason Road is free with bosses saying they wanted to give it as a gift to city folk - whether they are part of the congregation or not.

And this year city man Joseph Betts took the reigns as he wrote his first show for the organisation.

Norwich Evening News: The church was packed full for the 16 performances in December The church was packed full for the 16 performances in December (Image: SOUL Church)

The show - which ran from December 3 to 11 - follows the story of Santa seeing a mother work through a very long Christmas to-do list.

With the help of Squadron Leader Rudolph audiences are transported on an epic adventure to find that Christmas means more than planning the perfect day. 

The show - called The Wonder - is not only a magical festive story but it is also packed full of popular songs Christmas songs and Disney songs, perfect to sing along to.  

It also features traditional carols – with more than 300 people involved in cast and creative aspects. 

Norwich Evening News: Squadron Leader Rudolph was played by writer Joseph Betts Squadron Leader Rudolph was played by writer Joseph Betts (Image: SOUL Church)

With well-known characters such as Mary Poppins also making an appearance, the show was a huge hit.  

Mr Betts, 33, said: “It was really exciting to see my story come to life.  

“It’s the first full show I have ever written so I was really quite nervous about it.  

“I worked with the other creatives on the script but you never truly know what is going to happen.  

Norwich Evening News: The Wonder was packed full of well-known songs The Wonder was packed full of well-known songs (Image: SOUL Church)

“About ten minutes into the first show I realised that we had created something really special.” 

The show was directed by Djinh Kamei and produced by Chantel Norman, while as well as writing the show, Joseph also stared as Rudolph.  

Jon Norman, senior pastor at Soul Chruch said: “We love the people of Norwich and we want to bless them with a Christmas performance for all ages.  

Norwich Evening News: The Wonder happens annually and is free The Wonder happens annually and is free (Image: SOUL Church)

“This year more than ever, as people struggle with the cost of living crisis, it’s been great to provide something free, so anyone can come along.” 

If audiences missed out on The Wonder, Soul Church will be holding three traditional carol services on Christmas Eve, at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm.

Norwich Evening News: SOUL Church runs events all year round SOUL Church runs events all year round (Image: SOUL Church)