THIS is one of those shows that kids love and get very involved in, appealing to audiences from five years upwards.

Not a panto in the old tradition, it is interesting theatre

Ragdoll, dancer T.C. Howard, is a very physical presence, putting everything into her performance, which carries the play.

Although she, as a rag doll, has no voice, the cleverly designed minimalist set, allows her to make the most of both vertical and horizontal levels.

Five actors, also using puppets, recreate the Hans Anderson story of the Ice Queen, who freezes the loving heart of little boy Kai, so that he becomes a typical teenager surly, nasty and self obsessed.

Kai, Paul Simpson, changes from child to bully effectively. Gerda, his sister, played by Wendy Baxter, gives a 'Playschool' style performance, which the kids loved, but adults might find irritating.

Adam Sunderland's boyish charm brings off the part of Jack Frost well, but the eponymous 'Snow Queen', Sally Mortemore, perhaps could have paced her performance slightly faster, it dips a little every so often.

Louisa Eyo is really good as Granny and the wise woman.

The sound needs toning down for young ears, but costumes and lighting are excellent.

The Snow Queen, Octagon Theatre, Bolton, until January 12.