THIS madcap show is jam-packed with chaotic family fun and is a wonderful take on a classic tale.

Taking Lewis Carroll's iconic, yet confused, novel and molding it into a coherent and thoughtful play is quite an achievement.

In Morgan Lloyd Malcolm's adaptation Alice is a timid little girl, so lacking in self-esteem she daren't ask to take the class rabbit home. When the rabbit escapes she chases it and finds herself down the rabbit hole and in a fantastical land.

As usual with the Octagon the staging and direction are ingenious and original. They have to recreate some pretty spectacular sequences in a very small space - no mean feat.

The cast shows talents in many areas and adapts to all the challenges thrown at them - including a little bit of audience interaction that may prove testing if you pick the wrong person.

If my chuckling seven-year-old is anything to go by then Alice will lift children's spirits on even the gloomiest of days.

The show runs until January 10, tickets from 01204 520661 or octagonbolton.co.uk.