There is magic and mischief most foul along the Sussex Coast.

Let the civic fathers and local hoteliers be extremely careful who they accept conference bookings from in future.

For, according to Roald Dahl, whose story this play is based upon, the witches of England are most likely to book in for their annual general meeting.

They will gather, not as witches, but in the respectable disguise of delegates of The Society For The Protection Of Children.

Such a gathering takes place in the Hotel Splendid, along the coast at neighboring Eastbourne.

There the Grand High Witch directs her acolytes to distribute chocolate which will turn children into mice which will then be killed by unsuspecting adults.

However, the dastardly plan is thwarted by the heroic action of a young boy after he too has been changed into a mouse.

While the plot is simple, the mechanics of staging the show are not. Therefore the Southwick Players Youth Group and their technical team deserve fulsome praise for taking up the challenge.

In addition to multiple scene changes and special lighting effects for the magical transformations, there is the added task of creating giant scenery and props for the young actors in mice costume.

As with most young casts, the standard of acting varies but David Hilditch as the boy gives a consistently high-level performance. He is partnered by Oliver Constable, whose comic talents are put to good use in the part of the gluttonous Bruno Jenkins.

However, the undoubted stars of the evening are the tiny mice puppets which dominate the second act.

Their hilarious antics prove a delight for the audience, as do those of the three chefs with a slapstick routine which would not be out of place in a pantomime.

Until July 29. Call 01273 597094