This dramatic adaption of the children’s bedtime story had all the elements to please the young ones: the dark and scary wood, a bear, a troll, a witch, a wolf and, of course, the brave little girl protagonist.

Emily Brown was portrayed with child-like skill by Anna Wheatley with Sam Donovan as Stanley, her old grey rabbit, and Chris Gunter as The Thing and other roles.

Combining singing, dancing, music, Gunter’s vocal sound effects, with simple costumes and soft toys, the trio drew their young audience into their quest to hunt for The Thing’s Cuddly, his bedtime milk, and his medicine.

This touring Tall Stories production, adapted from the book by Cressida Cowell and Neal Layton, was crafted to maintain the attention of small children throughout the hour.

There was skilful precision of movement and many juvenile comedy moments, especially provided by Gunter and his diverse range of voices capturing eccentric personalities - such as his panto-style witch who attempted to turn the audience into frogs to make them “hopping” mad.

The familiar aspects of children’s bedtime- pyjamas, cleaning teeth, milk and a story - blended with the dream-like world of imagination and adventure managed to charm and enchant.