ACTORS are often told to go out and break a leg.

But in a show where everything goes wrong, the cast take this idiom quite literally and then some.

The set-up will be familiar to those who have seen Mischief Theatre's previous West End hit The Play That Goes Wrong.

Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are back on stage battling technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes as they attempt to present J.M Barrie’s much-loved tale.

And once again pretty much everything that can go wrong does, whether it's missing props, performers getting trapped under parts of the set and finishing the show in a leg cast and wheelchair or an actor dressed all in black playing Peter Pan's shadow desperately trying to keep up with his younger and more exuberant counterpart skipping across the stage.

This festive farce was filled with slapstick comedy and hilarious split-second timing that had everyone laughing from the very first few seconds to the finish.

But it's also a show with heart and the Lowry audience were quick to back the underdog whether it was one of the Lost Boys overcoming their horrendous stage fright or cheering on the Crocodile who had been dubbed 'useless' but goes on to be the unexpected star of the show.

And despite early protestations it 'wasn't a panto', the crowd didn't need much encouragement to join in with cries of 'Oh yes it is' as well as booing and hissing the bad guys.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong is only on at the Lowry until Saturday before the Grinch moves into town so you'll have to be quick to get tickets.

But just be warned after watching this show, pantomimes where everything goes right on the night will probably feel rather dull in comparison.

For tickets and more details, click here