AS the weather outside turns frightful, Bolton’s theatre is welcoming people to warm up with a magical tale unfolding under the floorboards.

The festive season the Octagon is bringing to life one of the greatest fairy-tales of all time in a feisty re-telling of Cinderella.

Combining instruments and imagination, in this story, adapted by award-winning children’s writer Mike Kenny — the rats are taking charge of the tale.

Whiskers, Tail, Teeth, Ears and Claws will be spending this Christmas taking audiences on a journey to a fairy-tale ending, with live music, dancing, and singing.

Directing this year’s festive production is Octagon’s Assistant Director, Ben Occhipinti who worked on last year’s festive offering, The BFG.

He said: “For this year’s festive show, we will be telling a very familiar fairy-tale story — but with a big twist!

“The talented team of actors who will be playing the rats are all fantastic musicians, so this will be a production filled with music and dance, with plenty of joy for families to experience and join in with. Get ready to enter the fairy-tale world in a whole new way!”

Audiences will be introduced into the world of the rats who live in Cinderella’s former kitchen just moments after her departure with the prince.

Faced with a life without her, the forlorn rodents set about retelling their heroine’s story, taking on the role of the characters she meets through her journey to becoming a princess.

The stage is set in the rats’ home and to bring to life the world outside the kitchen various props are used along the way.

However it is the music which take centre stage with the cast playing multiple musical instruments throughout the play.

Playing the central role of Cinderella will be Lucy Faint with Alexander Bean, Alicia McKenzie, Anne O’Riordan, Felicity Sparks and Tomas Wolstenholme donning the whiskers and tails of her rat friends.

The show premiered last night and the Octagon is expecting to welcome hundreds of audience members through its doors over the Christmas period.

Head of Marketing and Communications, Charlie Rachwal said: “The festive show is one of our biggest of the year.

“We are so excited to open with Cinderella, the show is going to be so much fun and we can’t wait to see all the families and children come through our doors to celebrate this Christmas season with us.

“Everyone will have lots of fun.”

Cinderella runs until January 14. Tickets are available from 01204 520661, or www.octagonbolton.co.uk.