Storybook characters come to life as you've never before imagined them in A Grimm Night for Hans Christian Andersen.

The play, written especially for children by Sue Gordon, follows the success of Young Wick's Our Day Out.

The action kicks off with a confrontation between those famous authors Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm. Turning up in the guise of menacing gangsters, Jacob and Wilhelm accuse Hans Christian of stealing their storylines – and demand he stops writing.

Ultimately, their public is asked to decide.

All the folk featured in the well-loved tales start appearing, but in distinctly modern situations.

The Little Mermaid joins the Ugly Duckling and the Princess (the one with the pea) in the office of their theatrical agent, Grabbit and Scarper, while Mr and Mrs Stiltskin are registering the birth of young Rumpel.

Scenes featuring the likes of Tom Thumb, Hansel and Gretel, the Steadfast Tin Soldier and Rapunzel are presented in turn by the authors, until the characters start protesting about the stories' sad endings.

Jacob, Wilhelm and Hans find themselves with more than a little explaining to do.

This is an ensemble production directed by Mark Best, featuring a large cast of members from the award-winning Young Wick team.

A Grimm Night for Hans Christian Andersen will be performed at The Barn Theatre, in Southwick Street, Southwick, from Thursday, August 7, to Saturday, August 9. Curtain up is at 7.45pm.

Tickets priced £8.50 are available from the box office, on 01273 597094, or online, at www.wicktheatre.co.uk

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