"Hans Christian Anderson's tales are a goldmine of vivid imagery so it's not surprising that artists and performers have a field day interpreting them.
Now the British East Asian theatre company Yellow Earth Theatre play out their version of The Nightingale, exploring the universal themes of love, loyalty and freedom from an East Asian perspective.
Performed in both English and Cantonese (with subtitles) the show is a mix of shadow puppetry, specially composed music, video, dance and vibrant costumes.
Set in China, only the common people know the secrets of the nightingale's magic. But one day rumours of the bird reach the Emperor and he orders to see it for himself.
Inside, the courtiers laugh at the plain little bird but are gobsmacked when she starts to sing. The nightingale immediately wins the Emperor's heart and he possessively keeps her in a golden cage.
But when a new toy is discovered - a dazzling, jewel-encrusted mechanical bird which mimics the nightingale's song - the nightingale is soon forgotten.
It's only when death comes knocking at the Emperor's door that he begins to see the bird's true colours.
Starts 7pm on Tuesday and 2pm on Wednesday. Tickets cost £7-£12.50. Call 01273 685861.
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