But Mansfield Palace Theatre's two youth groups tackled much loved classics Charlie and The Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach with gusto last week.

The Stage Left intermediate group, for youngsters aged 8-12, took to the stage first with their portrayal of Charlie Bucket's life changing journey beyond the gates of the Wonka factory.

After scooping the last of five golden tickets, kind-hearted Charlie joins four obnoxious youngsters on a tour around the fabulous factory as one by the one the beastly brats meet sticky ends.

And after proving his worth, Charlie (Joseph Ashmore) is handed the keys to the factory by the eccentric Willy Wonka, played by Quinn Bailey.

Next up was Stage Right intermediate group's take on James and the Giant Peach, adapted by Richard George.

When our hero James is left orphaned at the hands –– or feet –– of an enormous escaped rhinoceros, he is placed in the care of his awful aunts, Sponge and Spiker.

James, played by Jonathan Clarke, manages to escape his miserable existence, however, thanks to a bagful of magic green crocodile tongues and some very peculiar new friends.

Both plays were tackled with real enthusiasm by the cast and many of the young actors showed great potential and a real sense of comic timing.

Indeed, there were some very funny moments in both plays and I particularly like Charlie's bedridden grandparents' excited reaction to the news he had found the final golden ticket.

The sets were limited, but clever direction and the inventive use of props helped bring the stories to life and the musical numbers brought an originality and a real sense of fun.