****

“The wonderful thing about fairy tales is you don’t have to explain - things just are,” explained story teller Grimm.

Story Pocket Theatre authentically performed a handful of the tales written down by the Grimm brothers over 200 years’ ago.

In contemporary dress, the cast of four included Ashley Bates as the magical Grimm, who told us: “Sometimes when things are just perfect someone starts wanting more,” explaining how some stories became moral tales.

Beginning with Hansel and Gretel, each tale was acted out with grace and humour. The performers complemented each other and brought individual quirks to each character, which kept the audience engaged. Sarine Sofair made a formidable cackling witch while Emily Beach was perfect as the devoted daughter/princess.

Children were also picked from the audience to join a procession of Dummling, comically played by William Forde, and sisters in the Golden Goose.

The cast also operated puppets including a fantastic Rumpelstiltskin, who spun straw into gold.

Story Pocket made innovative and animated storytellers.