Pinocchio, The Priestley

It's heartening to know that, in an age when children's entertainment usually comes via a hand-held computer screen, the simple tale of a little wooden boy can still delight a young audience.

The children sitting around me at The Priestley appeared to be engrossed in this charming musical production of the classic Italian fairytale.

The story was brought beautifully to life with a series of fabulous song-and-dance numbers set to a cracking musical score, arranged by Kate Peters.

There was illusion, puppetry, even a spot of impressive stilt-dancing. An imaginative use of lighting helped to create a fantasy circus feel. The underwater scene, with fluorescent fish - pursued by catfish, complete with whiskers - an octopus and a seahorse floating past was particularly delightful.

The story stuck quite closely to the original, proving that children can follow a show without the need for silly gags or topical references.

Ballet star Liam Mower was a great Pinocchio; he got the blend of naughtiness, curiosity, carelessness and wide-eyed wonder just right. The appeal of Pinocchio is that he's a flawed character and Liam's cheekiness appealed to the youngsters in the audience, largely made up of under-tens. It was a treat to see a West End star (Liam won an Olivier award for playing Billy Elliot in the hit theatre version) dancing on The Priestley stage.

His song and dance scenes with Cricky - a tap-dancing female version of Jiminy Cricket, beautifully played by Sinead Coll - were thoroughly entertaining.

Well done to an excellent cast, particularly Daniel Coll as an endearing Geppetto and Jacqueline Naylor and Dan O'Brien as amusing villainous duo the cat and fox.

An enchanting family show that will warm your heart this Christmas.

Runs until December 30. For tickets ring (01274) 820666.