This brand new adaptation of the Grimm Fairy Tales, some of the best-loved stories ever to have graced the stage, comes to Malmesbury Town Hall on Saturday, December 6, performed by The Pantaloons theatre.

The Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm, collected and published German folk tales in the first half of the 19th century and are responsible for the popularity of some of the best-loved fairy tales of all time: Hansel and Gretel, The Frog Prince, Rumpelstiltskin, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood...but it is often forgotten that the Grimm versions of all these tales are, well, a little more grim than you might expect. Expect some horrible elements – witches generally come to very grisly ends. In the hands of The Pantaloons these tales are also more hilariously funny than they have ever been before.

For this story-telling extravaganza Jacob and Wilhelm are joined by Ferdinand, the lesser-known third Grimm brother – who doesn’t know how to tell a story – and the Wild sisters, who were the Grimms’ neighbours.

“We try to include something for everyone,” says producer Mark Hayward. “Children will love these tales as much as they ever have – particularly the more horrible elements – and adults will enjoy the clever ways in which the tales are staged along with the incredibly funny gags we’ve worked into the show. Grimm Fairy Tales is suitable for all ages but very small children might want to bring an adult to hide behind.”

Tickets, priced £12.50/£8 are on sale at the Town Hall, Cross Hayes, online at www.thepantaloons.co.uk or on the night. The show starts at 7pm.