Beauty and The Beast, Manchester Library Theatre. Runs until January 19

BEAUTY and The Beast is a classic tale that has been around for centuries and has been adapted in more ways anyone would think possible.

But the Manchester Library Theatre Company have managed to breathe new life into their version of this well told tale, with some interesting imagery and the use of "shadows".

The shadows -- dancers eeriely bound in flesh-coloured stockings -- are almost always present on the stage, visiting Belle, or Beauty as she becomes known, in her dreams and adding a sinister touch to the performance.

So much so that during the interval many in the audience agreed the start of the show had been downright scary and perhaps not fitting for five year olds, as the age guidance indicated.

Despite lacking the lavishness of the big West End productions, the eight actors in this production gave a strong performance, with some unexpected wit and wonderfully dry humour.

I enjoyed Anna Savva's performance as the sinister housekeeper and Emma Stansfield as Cassandra, the more fiesty and selfish of the two sisters.

This was an admirable and entertaining performance by such a small cast, especially as one of the actors had been injured and replaced at the last minute, meaning a short delay to the start of the performance.

Baring in mind the rather scary side of the performance, especially the first half, this show is a Christmas treat for the young -- and the young at heart. Louisa Gregson