PREPARE to be dazzled by the technicolour world of the Grinch!

The Lowry's big Christmas production is a treat from start to finish as the classic tale from Dr Seuss is brought to life before your eyes.

This is a show which will enthral the youngsters and have parents and grandparents equally captivated.

The Grinch - wonderfully played by Edward Baker-Duly - is a mean, green, Christmas-hating grumpy being who sets out to ruin the festive season for the folks of Whoville but ends up being won over by the spirit of Christmas.

Think of The Grinch and you immediately think of Jim Carrey who donned the green fur in the movie.

Edward Baler-Duly wisely adopts many of the Carrey-esque stylings for The Grinch but also brings his own great sense of comic timing and physical comedy to the role.

The narrator for the show is old Max the dog - played by Griff Rhys Jones - who clearly relishes the chance to wag his tale and belt out a song. He's got a surprisingly good voice and is perfect as the avuncular host for the evening.

X Factor winner Matt Terry is young Max who plays the energetic pooch trying to cope with his miserable master.

The great thing about The Grinch is that it is a story with a message - and a wonderful message too.

This is a show which is so uplifting it should be issued on prescription.

It's a riot of colour - the green of The Grinch and the vibrant reds and pinks of the residents of Whoville almost leave you needing sunglasses.

The scenery is like looking at a giant 3D version of the original book which just adds to the fun and the whole piece is told in verse which makes it great for youngsters to follow and at a shade over 90 minutes long, it doesn't threaten to overstay its welcome.

Special mention for Cindy Lou Who, the little girl who melts The Grinch's icy heart - warning, she'll do the same to you too!

Around the festive period we all need a little bit of magic. As the snow fell on the audience (worth going for this bit alone) at the end of the show, the gasps of wonder from youngsters were proof if any were needed, that The Grinch is the perfect Christmas present.