Hans Christian Andersen’s much-loved fairytale, The Snow Queen, is brought gloriously to life by Chichester Festival Theatre’s Youth Theatre in this lavish new musical adaptation by Bryony Lavery and Jason Carr.

It’s a complicated tale and seems slightly confusing at the start – there are so many characters vying for attention. The story becomes clearer, but I did wonder if younger children in the audience were keeping up with the action.

The main storyline, however, is a simple one. A young boy, Kay, has been lured into the evil clutches of the Snow Queen and taken to a land where the bitter, icy cold blots out the memory of his happy life in the land of sunshine and honey. So Kay’s friend, Gerda, accompanied by Granny Snow, sets off on a long journey to find him and conquer the Snow Queen and all she stands for.

Simon Higlett’s magical set is the perfect backdrop for the characters, who have been beautifully costumed by ex-Youth Theatre member Amy Jackson. Dale Rooks’ direction of this talented young company delivers a production that doesn’t put a foot wrong. They even made the large posse of grand- parents look authentic.

Jason Carr’s score is hauntingly beautiful though a little more light and shade would have been preferable.

This is an interesting and clever adaptation of a magical tale, perhaps more suited to older children. As a spectacle, you won’t find better in any theatre this year.

Margret Covell