Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

Cast: Edwina Lea, Emma Hirons, James Michael Doolan, Nathan Smith.

The Pied Piper is one of those rare stories that can both enthral and beguile and disgust and terrify at the same time, it is no wonder it is such a firm favourite of lovers of fairy tales and that it is ripe for re-telling in as many different ways as you can imagine on the stage.

The sense of familiar it may have but for the company who have taken this particular production under their wing, it is a great piece of theatre that will capture the hearts of those going to the Unity Theatre this December. Action Transport Theatre’s creative team of Director Nina Hakiyianni, Composer Patrick Dineen and Writer Kevin Dyer have bought out the very best in the four young actors who perform every part with both artistic pathos and with the glint in the eye that makes a show such as this more than worth attending no matter your age.

With the town of Hamlyn under siege conditions from the millions of rats that have made every nook and cranny their home, the call goes out for someone to save the day, however when you are a inhabitant of a town with a corrupt and greedy Mayor, that call might just be the start of the resident’s problems. The story may well known but the  way that it is presented on stage seems fresh and in much the same way that Burjesta Theatre tackled the production last year, it’s use of innovative song and style brings the actors to very forefront. Chiefly amongst these is the towering voice of Nathan Smith who, amongst other parts, played Hamlyn’s Mayor with a sense of great gusto and experience.

The whole cast were enthralling and gave the right account of themselves that is more than worthy of other alternative Festive shows that have been shown over the last few years at The Unity Theatre. No matter your age, this is a very enjoyable show that gives the right sense of beguilement and mystery that gives credence to the thought that not everything needs to be covered in tinsel to be a cracker at Christmas.

Ian D. Hall