THIS Shakespeare Globe and Bristol Old Vic touring production of Hans Christian Andersen fairytales is both striking and silly.

Written and adapted by Joel Horwood it is certainly a different take on the much-loved childrens’ stories.

I have seen various theatrical versions of The Little Matchgirl, a darkly classic story where many companies have perfectly captured the haunting theme of poverty threaded throughout.

Here there is light and shade in a hit and miss interpretation. But there are more hits than misses.

The seven-strong ensemble – some who play instruments - pull out all the stops.

There’s too much froth and over-the-top slapstick in parts which unfortunately detracts from this collection of plays within a play directed by Emma Rice.

The undoubted star is the Little Matchgirl of the title, played by a beautiful puppet with no strings attached, but handled with tender loving care and dexterity by Edie Edmundson.

The homeless, wide-eyed shivering infant strikes her matches each of which allows the colourful 'Shuteyes' - an all singing, all dancing troupe - to present three other of the writer's tales.

Thumbelina and The Princess and the Pea were inventive while the frenetic Emperor’s New Clothes lost its way.

Ole Shuteye, played with Vaudevillian vigour by Niall Ashdown, is the frock-coated emcee.

As well as breaking the fourth wall, he plays the deluded dress-obsessed ruler with fleeting Eric Morecambe and Donald Trump impersonations.

This is a tale where imagination should be used to maximum effect.

However, when he sports a full frontal knitted onesie it merely provided giggles for some youngsters (the debatable rating here is eight years up).

I felt it was inappropriate and so,too, did some of the adults in the audience judging by their nervous laughs.

Full marks to the on-stage, busking-styled musicians who clearly enjoyed accompanying this curious, energetic piece of dramatic storytelling.

The end Christmas sequence captured the little heroine’s tragic plight and that is the image that will remain with me.

Mixed matches - Three and a half stars

The show is on until Saturday.

Tickets from the box office on 0151 709 4776