BOLTON Octagon's festive production, The Firebird, is much more than a traditional family show -- it is a costume drama in every sense of the word.

Not only are the colourful costumes a starring aspect of the show, but they have quite a story to tell as well.

The designer, Domini Hooper, a familiar face at The Octagon, travelled from her new home in Australia to undertake the work.

Domini has worked for The Octagon for several years, producing last year's memorable Snow Queen outfits. She made her move Down Under a year ago, but has maintained her links with the Bolton theatre.

Domini described how her creations for The Firebird were transformed from sketches on paper onto the stage:

"I work from the essence of the play. This has a particularly Russian theme. It is great because I could play around with fantastic fabrics with it being the Christmas show.

"It is nice to be able to use my imagination and a bit more glamour.

"When I get a script I read through it as a story, then go through it again looking at the characters. A third reading with the director gives me more detail. And it is then that an overall concept is decided.

"Once that is decided I go through old photographs, magazines and pictures, and make doodles that no one else would ever understand. I then often do about three sketches for each character before I am happy with a final one. Choosing fabrics comes next, which is lovely.

"It is always exciting to see a costume come to life. But they sometimes do not work. An actor's shape or size can throw something off line -- and if this is the case I have to learn to be diplomatic when I make the alterations."

And does Domini have any particular favourite costume in this current production?

"My favourite is the witch, Baba Yaga, because she is quite odd. I made two drawings for her, initially making her quite round which did not work. Instead, she is now quite spiky and angular. And even though the play has a Russian theme, I have given her a more Dutch or Welsh bonnet to add height."

Here we show a selection of Domini's original drawings side by side with the finished article.

The Firebird runs until Saturday, January 18. For tickets telephone 520661.