THIS adaptation of the famous Roald Dahl children's story The Witches has been described as 'utterly beguiling'.

Newport Playgoers colourful production of this family play will carry you along on a glorious journey of fiendish fantasy and is top-drawer entertainment for the young and the young at heart - chilling but thrilling.

At the Dolman Theatre from March 15-19, The Witches will star Newport schoolboys James Ward as Boy and Daniel Morgan Jones and Wesley Maddocks in rotation as Bruno, the two children who attempt to save the country's youngsters from the evil witches' plan to turn them all into mice.

Although transformed into mice themselves, the brave duo manage to trick the witches and with the help of another unlucky child, now a frog, they bring the play to a triumphant and hilarious conclusion.

Director Lynn Phillips is relishing working with children and animals - the rehearsal rooms are full of toy mice and furry costumes!

"We've seen professional productions of The Witches which relied on adult actors playing the children's parts," she said.

"But we decided to use children as, to my mind, a grown up wearing short trousers always looks like a grown-up wearing short trousers!

"The boys have all been great to work with and they're giving lovely performances.

"We really hope our production will be a hit with families - Roald Dahl's stories are superbly crafted and full of magic and excitement and they translate really well to the stage."

The Witches is at the Dolman Theatre from March 15-19.

From Tuesday to Friday performances start at 7.15pm.

Tickets for the Saturday performance are already sold out.

But those for the other performances are available by calling 01633 265660 or from the visitors' centre at Newport Library.