LIKE the elusive Pimpernel, this colourful production lacked the 'je ne sais quoi' to make it into a classic.

The characters were well cast, the singers and orchestra beautifully balanced, and the costumes quite magnificent. It all came together easily, and yet, there was something lacking.

Not one song, character or scene stood out to make it the kind of show you refer back to time and again, and use as a yardstick for others, such as Les Miserables (which The Scarlet Pimpernel has been likened to).

Much was made in the pre-publicity of the guillotine on stage, and no wonder, for it was one of the few props of the show.

The rest of the scenery was projected on to the back wall.

One thing which was very obvious from the start is that the size of the production was rather too big for the size of the stage in The Charter Theatre.

The acoustics of the small theatre, however, did make the most of the rich, velvety tones of the performers.

Despite the above, The Scarlet Pimpernel, which ran from October 22-26, was enjoyable and worth seeing.