A VISIT to Shap by NTC Touring Theatre was threatened by power cuts that affected areas of the village during the afternoon of January 5, including the venue, the memorial hall.

However, the supply was restored in time for the performance of The Snow Queen to go ahead.

This classic fairy tale was retold in a set glistening with ice and snow.

The theatre group has visited Shap several times in the past, and this show was up to the usual high standard, with innovative use of props.

The flower-power scene was most colourful and the sparkling ice palace was magical.

The story of love overcoming evil was interspersed with comedy, and the grandmother was particularly funny with her costume changes into a biker and a fairy, whose wand was not working properly, she said, "because of the power cut."

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Hans Christian Andersen, author of The Snow Queen.

The evening was hosted by Shap School Association and formed part of the Highlights Rural Touring programme.

Jean Scott-Smith