NORTHERN Stage Ensemble's Christmas show for the under-sixes is heaven sent from a short story by Oscar Wilde.

Two angels (Tony Neilson and Sophie Trott) land on Earth in "a special place" - and it really is something special in Imogen Cloet's designs, all pop-up and pull-out buildings, colourfully-garbed characters and beautiful blue seating for the audience.

The mission of these heavenly bodies is to find something special. Telling the story of the swallow and the happy prince is the result. Not that the royal statue is looking very pleased with life when first seen. He's crying his eyes out. This is one unhappy prince - sad because everyone in the city is unhappy.

A swallow en route to a warm winter in Egypt is waylaid and asked to cheer him up by spreading a little happiness. This is achieved by distributing the prince's riches - the ruby in his sword hilt, his eyes of sapphire and gold in his coat - among the sick and poor commoners. Annie Wood's adaptation and Adel Al-Salloum's direction don't linger too long on the message about being nice to others in the 50-minute show. That's about the right length to retain the concentration of the young audience, who are asked to help out and sing along without undue pressure being exerted to make them participate.

Neilson and Trott double up nicely as angels and then the royal and the bird, although the lack of any strong narrative makes it easy for an adult's mind to wander. But, once again, Northern Stage's under-sixes production delivers the ideal first stage treat for youngsters.

* Runs until January 10. Tickets 0191-230 5151

Published: 28/11/2003