THIS delightful production, directed with a light, sensitive touch by Michael Shipley, oozes charm.

Alan Bennett has adapted the play from Kenneth Grahame's much loved book and Bennett's gentle humour is brought out well by a talented cast.

Stephen Stubbs is an excellent Toad with exactly the right amount of boastfulness and bravado.

The children at the matinee performance which I attended were entirely sympathetic when the unfortunate Toad was incarcerated after stealing a car.

Stubbs does an excellent job of looking pathetic.

Michael Haworth is extremely well cast as Rat. Dressed immaculately in white trousers and blue blazer, Howarth is a splendidly pedantic and kindly character.

Tim Henshaw is a lovable Mole -- naively delighted at all the goings-on.

Outstanding among the other characters is Cath Blower as Albert, the disgruntled horse.

And Michael Tatman is notable in the cameo role of the magistrate with a penchant for kedgeree and devilled kidneys.

Steve Cain plays the Chief Weasel as a kind of Chicago gangster and this works well.

Wisely, the actors who play animals are not over-dressed as such.

A pair of ears here and a tail there, are enough to make the distinction between them and the humans.

The fieldmice -- pupils from Columba's Primary School -- do a first-class job.

Scenery and props are bright and appealing. The barge, car and train in primary colours are well designed.

Altogether, this is a suitably festive show which appeals to both adults and children. Doreen Crowther