IT'S enough to have horror legend Boris Karloff spinning in his grave - a 4ft tall Frankenstein who can't even frighten a bunch of schoolchildren.

That's the premise of a distinctly un-scary version of the classic horror story being staged at a County Durham theatre this month.

Chester-le-Street Theatre Group's performance of Frankenstein, The Pantomime, is unlikely to have even the most nervous member of the audience hiding behind their hands.

More hysterical than horrible, the unique show turns the familiar tale of body parts, neck bolts and unrequited love on its head.

The show's director Bill Stephenson explained how this version is more Widow Twanky than Mary Shelley.

"Our story, which is played by 50 children aged between six and 18, is about a poor little orphan girl called Heidi," said Bill.

"She is about to be served as the main course at a dinner party hosted by Count Dracula and his gummy grandmother Granula. Heidi's friend, Frank-N-Stein, comes to the rescue when our Professor Crackpot turns him into a loveable monster.

"Our version is not even remotely scary.

"In fact, the only scary thing in it is a party of rowdy St Trinian's schoolgirls who pick Frank-N-Stein up and swing him around."

Bill added: "We have had many people saying they will not buy tickets because they think it might be too scary for their young children. Believe me, it isn't."

Frankenstein, the Pantomime, runs at the town's Park View Theatre from November 27, until December 1.

Tickets can be obtained by phoning 0191-385 7500 or 0191-388 5957.