Hansel and Gretel, adapted by Poet Laureate (2009) Carol Ann Duffy is being brought to life at Swindon's Wyvern Theatre Studio One tomorrow and Saturday.

Who was it who made us think that fairy-tales were always ‘happily ever after, performed by Swindon Youth Theatre this grim fairytale proves the point.

The show is presented by Sixth Sense Theatre and the actors are all aged between seven and 11 years.

Laura Barnes, director said: “This familiar and seemingly innocent tale of good versus evil is here re-told with all the magic of theatre and slowly but surely we have teased out the true dark heart of ‘Hansel & Gretel”.

Living in the worst of times of famine; cooking old women in hot ovens; enticing young children with sticky sweets; getting lost in dark and creepy woods with no hope of finding your way home seems more like a nightmare than a children’s tale.

Sixteen of the youth theatre’s youngest members were cast through auditions to star in this retelling of the tale and with only eight days rehearsal it’s been a fast and furious process.

Older members of Swindon Youth Theatre have acted as mentors throughout the project, helping with both the development of the play and as a support to the young actors.

The final performance is in Studio One of The Wyvern Theatre is at 5pm tomorrow and on Saturday at 1pm and 5pm. Tickets for Saturday at 5pm are already sold out so don’t leave your booking too late!

Tickets are £6 and £5 and available through Wyvern Theatre Box Office on 01793 524481.