IN this co-production by Leicester’s Curve and the Rose Theatre Kingston the company of seven demonstrates something of what it takes to be a modern day performer.

The multi-skilled ensemble not only acts, sings and plays musical instruments but also provides acrobatic action to enliven the proceedings. Unfortunately, with no programme, and a press release that doesn’t mention them by name, they must remain anonymous. Their energy and personalities however endeared them to the full house.

Georgia Lowe’s set design provides a realistic looking shipping container that quickly transforms into the disgustingly dirty caravan-home of the equally disgusting Mr and Mrs Twit. Gauging by its reaction, she also provided Mr Twit with the most disgustingly stained underwear that the young audience (hopefully) has ever seen. And as for Mr Twit’s food spattered beard - that is Dahl’s revenge against the beards he so detested.

Not only do the Twits revel in playing unpleasant practical jokes on one other, but Mr Twit, having captured a band of Muggle-Wump monkeys, also devises a dastardly plan to catch birds for his bird-pie. The monkeys of course prove to be far too clever to be locked in a cage for long, and with the help of the Roly-Poly bird and the most surreal moment of audience participation, they save the day and prove that Roald Dahl’s world really is an upside-down one.

Direction by Max Webster and newly composed music and songs by Dougal Irvine.

* Until March 25. Box Office: 0191 230 5151. www.northernstage.co.uk

Laurence Sach