Shotley Drama Group presents 'A Fairy Tale Adventure'.

Imagine if some Wicked Witch messed with your favourite fairy tales and gave them all a bad ending where evil succeeds because good people do nothing.

That is the premise of a play that is not quite a panto, but has the same incredible feel-good factor.

I won't spoil the ending but can tell you about all the good people that try to save the beautiful Fairy Queen (Beatrice Picknell) from her kidnappers and do something to halt the Wicked Witch (wonderfully played by the commanding Emily Tromans) and her fiendish, not so smart side-kick Smarty (seasoned star Connor Sams) in their Dark Wood tracks.

Stand outs included Scar Price as Paddy Ginger who lead the way in so many ways and Rosie Walls as Gretel, a girl who knows what she wants and is not afraid to say what she thinks.

lsobel Tromans is probably the cutest frog since Kermit and her impromptu dance moves had the audience and fellow stars, in fits of laughter.

Talking of naturally funny, who would have thought a single pea could have people on giggles, but Timothy Roberts as Grum (think about it) managed that and also nailed being the Emperor (new clothes and all that)

It is fair to say the wooden performances from Naomi Mitchell and Ace Keeble was clearly what they were looking for. They also branched out with some singing and nailed it.

A number of the relatively few cast members doubled up from fairies and dwarves to main characters, with Ava Howells, Summer Wynn-Blackburn and Ashleigh Roberts as Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White and Goldilocks adding to the glamour and beauty of the show.

Kayley Squirrell doubled up as a mirror, but doubt she can see much of a future in that for herself, while Imogen Davis was an Ugly Duckling in name only and showed he acting prowess at being upset by the name-calling, then getting stuck into the dance routines.

The cast is made up predominately from youngsters aged between eight and 16 and believe me the kids were more than alright.

They bossed this performance, making it their own. Seven were fresh from triumphant Beauty and the Beast performance at Holbrook and it was a testament to there deception that despite the work load they were word perfect. Perhaps it helped that the sharp script was wonderfully youthful and delivered in teen speak.

Each act was whizzed through with energy and enthusiasm and time flew by, with witty one-liners, superb solo signing, and well choreographed dancing.

Director Josie Tromans fund the delicate balance of being the boss, but letting the cast have its head and taking control of their own individual performances to enable a magical team display.

If they did BAFTAS for amdram costumes I'm convinced the Shotley seamstresses and wardrobe managers would have it stitched up.

Meanwhile, the tradition of excellent scenery delivered by the back stage crew, good lighting and sound, was superbly maintained.

As ever, bring tissues even if its just from laughing so much.

The WI provide refreshments such as, tea, coffee and cake while the bar will also be open.

Shotley Village Hall

Curtain up 7.30, doors open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday (also matinee 2.30 start, door open 2pm)

Tickets can be bought from Sarah at The Rose, or Hollingsworth's, check the poster for other numbers or take change at the door on the night.