Forget about reindeer and robins, this Christmas is all about rats.

Rats’ Tales is a collection of stories inspired by poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy’s retelling of The Pied Piper of Hamelin.

Stolen childhood is the theme which connects the stories - from the children mysteriously disappearing with the piper to a young girl whose youth is snatched away to the boy who becomes invisible to his family.

With themes such as envy and hatred rooted in some of the tales, it is certainly not your typical festive show - it is much more.

The enchanting and original fairy tales are brought to life by a superbly talented cast, filling the auditorium with wonder and laughter despite some of the darker themes.

The stand-out tale for me was The Changeling, which tells of a couple whose baby is swapped by a troll for her own child.

While all around her bay for the troll child’s blood, the woman cannot help but protect the alien creature from harm while her own baby remains lost in the wilderness.

Rats’ Tales immerses you into each story - in sight, sound and emotion – particularly in The Changeling when an inferno appears to rage just off stage with billowing smoke and angry flames.

Dramatised and directed by Melly Still, the play deals with the transition from childhood to adulthood which will delight the young and resonate with the not-so-young.

The strong cast takes on multiple roles, each putting in captivating and convincing performances.

One minute Hiran Abeysekera is the despised troll child, squirming on the floor and devouring rats then, in a later tale, is a handsome prince searching for his true love.

In the tale, A Little Girl, Meline Danielewicz is a youngster marvelling at the wonder of the big wide world then, in Wooden Maria, she is one of the comical rats plaguing the geese.

Michael Mears is menacing but enticing as the Pied Piper, who spirits the children away - in revenge - after the town’s politician breaks his word and fails to pay him for ridding Hamelin of its rats.

Perhaps a little on the dark side for sensitive, younger children but a true delight for anyone who enjoys fantastic stories with happy endings.

Melanie Wallwork