CHILDREN and parents enjoyed an absolutely completely brilliant half term treat when TV favourites Charlie and Lola arrived at the Brewhouse.

The brother and sister act have won over thousands of fans through the popular books and BBC TV series - but how would the endearing storylines, charting young rites of passage and everyday dramas, translate to the stage?

A packed house buzzed with young excitement before curtain-up and the primary-school-age faithful was rewarded with a captivating show.

The play plotted a day in the life of four-year-old Lola and her brother Charlie, seven going on 37.

They were joined by Lola’s imaginary friend Soren Lorenson – no Marv, Lotta or Sizzles – and were brought to life as ‘cut-out’ puppets by onstage puppeteers, with original voices from the TV show.

Superb puppetry, including clever use of the eyes, made for a lively, animated show.

The attraction and charm of Charlie and Lola rests in the familiarity of the material. The spats, puzzles and delightful youthful randomness are replicated every day in countless homes across Somerset and the rest of the country.

The pair brought their magic to everyday situations like tidying their room, not wanting to go to bed and bubbles at bathtime.

This was great entertainment and a show that will leave gappy-toothed grins spread across a lot of young faces this week.

By Zoe Cameron