The Emperor and the Nightingale, Upfront Puppet Theatre, near Hutton-in-the-Forest

The summer production at Upfront Puppet Theatre is a production not to be missed. I saw the show accompanied by family aged from six to 72 and the production will be a highlight of the school holidays.

The Emperor and the Nightingale is a splendidly explosive production of the well known story by Hans Christian Anderson, magically performed by the puppeteers of the team from the purpose built theatre.

I watched the semi-lit faces as the bamboo curtain lifted. The expressions of absorbed delight were wonderful and were just as focussed when the final curtain fell an hour later.

The puppets, scenery, props, authentic Chinese music and special effects held us enthralled throughout the whole production.

What I love about Upfront's puppetry extravaganzas are the beautifully handled marionettes, the traditional storylines and the fact that each half of the play is not too long. Both the very young and those of more advanced years thoroughly enjoyed every minute.

The final joy comes after the performance is over with the accessibility to the puppets and there handlers, children's questions cheerfully answered by John Parkinson the director of the company.

A visit to Upfront Puppet Theatre is a must for everyone.

Upfront landed this year's Cumbria Tourism Tourism Experience Award.

Emperor and the Nightingale finishes on August 28.

Telephone 017684-84538.

Jenny DeRobeck