NORTHERN Stage is in party mood with jazz rhythms galore to accompany James on his legendary transatlantic adventure. The energy and enthusiasm of this young company is truly infectious and you could hardly wish for a livelier seasonal production.

The challenge to the reviewer, however, is how not to give away the many surprises that await the audience, especially in the splendid second half.

Mark Calvert’s delightfully imaginative production pulls out all the stops, and with the audience seated on three sides the reformatted theatre takes on an especially welcome intimacy.

Rhys Jarman’s ingenious designs, complemented by Colin Grenfell’s lighting, turns the auditorium into a veritable playground for the actors, and the multi-talented company are not shy at using it to the full. They are also pretty adept at playing a multitude of musical instruments as well as bringing Dahl’s extraordinary array of characters to life - not least amongst them, Tim Dalling’s wonderful, accordion playing grasshopper.

Stan Hodgson leads the company as orphaned James (can there be a more extraordinary way to lose ones parents?) and is ably supported by the rest of his insect crew - Michael Blair’s Earthworm, Maria Crocker’s Centipede, Clara Darcy’s Spider and Lana Walker’s Ladybird.

Along with Martin Hylton’s contribution as movement director, they prove that Dahl’s fifty-five year old tale is as fresh and engaging as ever. It’s an ingenious peach of a production that shouldn’t be missed.

n Until December 31. Box Office: 0191 230 5151. www.northernstage.co.uk

Laurence Sach