Hansel and Gretel tiptoe past as night sets in and a flock of birds flit from garden to garden, while a travelling band provides accompaniment.

Set in the stunning grounds of the city's 1,000-year-old cathedral, this year's Promenade Performance by Chichester Festival Youth Theatre is both dark and magical.

Seven Grimm Tales are reproduced as the audience are led around seven different performance spaces.

"Its like seven companies performing seven different plays in seven locations," says director Dale Rooks.

"Because of the backdrop, it's a perfect location, particularly as some of the stories have medieval scenes and some are quite dark. Each story is set in a location to suit its style."

Fairytales to be told are The Musicians Of Bremen, Golden Goose, Ashputtle, The Magic Table, The Gold Donkey and The Cudgel In The Sack, Iron Hans and Hansel And Gretel. The final story should take place just before 10pm, as darkness falls, creating an atmospheric, shadow-filled setting.

"If you see something in the open air it's really, really magical. It can also be quite sinister and that's what we are aiming for. The location gives it an edge," says Dale, who has been directing the company's promenade performances for six years.

"I think this production is bolder than previous shows. There's a big battle, which is something we haven't done before. It's quite brave."

Another new feature is a live, five-piece band, which will travel with audiences from site to site, playing original compositions. This is lead by theatre musical director Jeff Moore.

There are also dance pieces, put together by West End choreographer Steve Elias, who has worked on the productions Billy Elliott and Guys And Dolls.

Originally performed in 1996, at the Young Vic, for a cast of nine, Grimm Tales is an adaptation by author Carol Ann Duffy.

Dale has the task of producing it for 60 performers, aged 11-19.

"It's a real challenge for the young actors having to switch between the dynamics of the characters. In one scene, someone could be playing a dragon princess, in the next scene, they're a goat."

On arrival, audiences of up to 250 will be escorted to the first location. They can stand or take chairs, rugs and picnics.

The first scene lasts 15 minutes, after which they are ushered to the next location by a bird ensemble. "The audience literally promenades with us on to the next story, where cast members will be ready," says Dale. "It's great fun they end up racing ahead so they can get the best spots."

The annual promenade performances have a strong following, with audiences coming from all over the South-East, including London.

"We get a spectacular response. The shows are very professional... I treat the cast as professional actors and they rise to it."

Starts 7pm, tickets £6 and £12, call 01243 781312. No show Aug 6.