FAIRY-TALES have always had their dark side. In the original version of Red Riding-Hood, sanitised by French writer Charles Perrault in the 19th century, not only did Granny get the chop but the little girl was forced to strip, throw her clothes and possessions onto the fire and get into bed with the hungry wolf.

Writers like Angela Carter picked up on the shadowier aspects of our well-loved tales in the 1980s - the door in Bluebeard's house which concealed untold horrors from his new wife.

And the show, which kicks off the spring season at Bristol Old Vic this weekend, gives us all a chance to open that door.

Beasts and Beauties brings together eight tales from across Europe in an adaptation by award-winning British poet Carol Ann Duffy, director and designer Melly Still, and Tim Supple.

The funny, gruesome and cautionary stories include the romance of the Beauty and the Beast, the marital terror tale of Bluebeard, the matriarchal nightmare of The Juniper Tree and the vainglorious ambition of the Emperor's New Clothes.

Each of the eight stories are performed by the same ensemble of eight actors in eight contrasting settings - from Toby and the Wolf in 1950s' communist Czechoslovakia, to Beauty and the Beast in the timeless glamour of Renaissance Italy.

Music is provided by Norwegian composer Terje Isungset, one of the most innovative percussionists in Europe, who has created a score both haunting and fitting.

The stories range from farce to satire while remaining true to their originals - because fairy tales are often a lot nastier than you remember them.

Beasts and Beauties - Eight Tales From Europe runs at Bristol Old Vic until May 1. Tickets range from £5 to £20 and the show begins at 7.30pm from Monday to Saturday. Box office 0117 987 7877.