BOOK adaptations don't always work - sometimes the desire to jump on a bandwagon of literary success backfires.

This stage version of the story by Britain's most popular children's author, Jacqueline Wilson, proves that clever staging and fine acting can bring page to stage in a thrilling and original way.

Fine performances by the 'teenagers' Sarah O'Leary, James Camilleri and Rebecca Santos are embellished by brilliant ensemble playing and superb use of puppets, mime and dance to set the scenes.

And what a joy it is to see so many young people introduced to the magic of theatre. The show ran from Wednesday to Saturday last week.

Review by STEVE EVANS