CHILDREN'S eyes were as round as saucers as weird and wonderful characters in fabulous costumes took to the stage for The Weather Kitchen.

Tiny tots were as enthralled as my six-year-old nephew throughout the hour-long show by Monster Productions.

And they were only too happy to get involved and lend a hand when asked for help.

The colourful show is specially created for children and shows storytelling at its best.

It mixes innocent fun with catchy songs, an eye-catching setting and easy things for the audience to do.

The show tells the simple story of the Weather Cook, who mixes recipes to create the weather for each season.

But when the cook decides it's time for a holiday, all hell breaks loose in the kitchen as those in charge decide to cook up a storm.

Floods and storms fill the stage as seasons are turned on their heads.

But with the eager help of the audience, order is restored before the Weather Cook returns.

My nephew was most impressed by the tornado, which sweeps through the stage, and being able to help create a rainbow.

My favourite aspects included the larger-than-life characters in their eye-catching costumes as well as the quirkier touches, such as dancing penguins.

We watched the show at Kendal's Brewery Arts Centre last Saturday, but the cast has brought their fun and frolics to Lancaster this week.

The Weather Kitchen is performed at 10.30am at the Dukes Theatre until Saturday, May 15.

Tickets cost £6, with a special offer of £5 for groups of five or more family and friends.

To book, call the Dukes on 01524-598500 or visit www.dukes-lancaster.org.

Nadia Jefferson-Brown