THERE have been varied productions during the 2017 Everyman and Playhouse Autumn season, with some of the most accomplished touring companies stopping off in Liverpool with inspirational work.

Now comes Golem from 1927 - a veritable feast for the eyes and ears.

A truly inventive, unique piece of theatre.

This is satire served with style.

The message is clear - robots are taking over our lives.

The Golem is a man made of clay. He has no free will.

He can only obey.

But he starts to soak in the world of television and commercialism and begins to interfere with family and relationships.

The Apprentice this week explored the billion pound market to tap into while BBC's Robot Wars is returning.

And Abba have announces a tour where they appear as their digital selves.

So Golem is far from being far-fetched.

Indeed robots are gradually taking over the asylum.

This 90-minute production features hand-made animation and film with music.

It is like peering into a giant graphic novel bursting with visual spectacle.

There's plenty of influences in this touring production written and directed by Suzanne Andrade with music from Lillian Henley.

Full creative credit also goes to Paul Barritt's film, animation and design.

I was reminded of silent screen classics, 50s sci-fi movies and pop videos from the Pet Shop Boys and the dark, sometimes sinister, aspects of Tim Burton's mind.

The story breezes along at a fair pace with plenty of screen trickery and magical storytelling that will surprise and delight new audiences.

It features a cast of five accomplished actors gifted in mime, with two of the members taking keyboards and drums duties, who are engaging from start to finish in this modern day Frankenstein-like fable.

There is something for all tastes and ages.

An invitation to see a sparkling, hugely enetertaining way of dramatic storytelling.

I left the Playhouse smiling - happy in the belief that robots could never take over our theatres ... or could they?

Outstandingly original - four stars

The show is at Liverpool Playhouse until Saturday.

Tickets from the box office on 0151 709 4776