THIS is the best Christmas play I have seen for many years. Using the classic fairy story, director Noreen Kershaw and a supremely talented young cast have created a midwinter night's dream for all ages to savour.

Most of the seven cast members take on multiple roles, and their investment in the parts means that we believe from start to finish. Roy Barber, slipping effortlessly between King, dodgy trader Pike and a Wolf, is excellent, as is Carly Griggs as the Queen and guardian fairy Whistledown.

Peter Gallagher is imperious as fairies' leader Shadrack and marvellously melodramatic as the evil wizard. Karl Greenwood is a splendid Prince, by turns hilarious and heroic, and Laura Jane Ashmore is a feisty, modern Beauty.

Helen Barrett takes the comic roles of Bucket and Chanticleer with brio and perfect timing, and Christina Denham brilliantly covers every inch of the auditorium as the puckish Blossom.

All this takes place on a beautiful set that shimmers like an icicle, and includes catchy songs by Tim Hans Smith.

Every single member of the audience, adult and child, was entranced by this show from beginning to end.

It is a charming, energetic, magical family evening. If you and your family can only see one production over Christmas, I strongly suggest you make it this one.

Rocian Theatre Productions: Sleeping Beauty. The Met, Bury.

Until January 11