THE Nonentities have chosen E Nesbit's famous story for their festive production.

It was like visiting old friends to see again the family driven to poverty, and their new friends - Perks the porter and his family, and "the old gentleman" on the train.

Athol M'Donald did a wonderful job as Perks, doubling as narrator, setting the scene, and the children were excellent.

Two teams of children alternate the roles, each led by Rebecca Dicken as Roberta. The night I went I was very impressed with Ben Kenyon, Hannah Williams, James Stevens, Emma Fox and Becky Locke and an outstanding performance by Daniel Duffield as the cheeky Alfred.

The only disappointing performance was by Marilyn Herbert as the mother. She was totally devoid of expression, even when supposedly angry, and came across as rather cold.

An imaginative set and authentic costumes added to this most enjoyable production. VJS.