A HALF-TERM treat awaits audiences at the Brewhouse Theatre in Taunton this week in the form of the Hare and the Tortoise, by the Stuff & Nonsense Theatre Company.

This lively and entertaining production is a perfect family outing providing plenty to engage children (and former children).

The show starts from the moment you walk into the auditorium with commentators performing spoof sound checks and entering into some playful banter with the audience as they take their seats.

It all helped build excitement for the big race between the smooth talking and confident American superstar Mr Hare and the more reserved underdog, goggle-wearing Brit Miss Tortoise.

Presented as a live TV show with presenter/commentators Steve the Starling in the studio and Chris Canary trackside, the 55-minute show is perfectly pitched at primary-aged children.

We enjoyed preliminary contests - including tennis and a dance-off - between the protagonists before the starter’s gun sounded.

The big race itself was played out in a mixture of slow motion acting, puppetry, and video screens.

The sets and costumes were simple but effective and some good audience participation helped in one scene which poked fun at the commercialisation of sport.

So who wins? It was a photo finish – you’ll have to hot-foot it to the Brewhouse to find out for yourself. This show comes well recommended.

By Zoë (aged 34) and Emily (aged three) Cameron.

The show continues until Saturday, showtimes 10.30am and 1.30pm – call the box office on 01823-283244.