WITH such a sombre title and a character called Gradgrind, Charles Dickens' shortest novel was never going to be regarded as one of his overtly humourous works.
Enter Northern Broadsides brimming with their trademark intelligence, inventiveness and fun.
Yes ... fun.
That is a word I would never usually associate with this story. Here it's a case of 'grin' up North.
It is an inspired adaptation from skilful wordsmith Deborah McAndrew.
Husband Conrad Nelson is director and composer. They make a formidable team who certainly get the best out of the multi-tasking ten-strong cast who provide live music on designer Dawn Allsopp's uncluttered eye-catching set design.
This production never loses sight of the theme of Utilitarianism – where imagination had no place in the lives of the bean-counters and dull educationalists.
We are transported back to the fictitious Coketown where aspiring MP Thomas Gradgrind - played superbly by Andrew Price - is the stern father of Thomas and Louisa (assured performances here from both Perry Moore and Vanessa Schofield).
Gradgrind's school ethos believes facts and figures rule the day over imagination which is forbidden.
Meanwhile self-made banker, capitalist and arch-bully Josiah Bounderby pushes the boundaries of duplicity with his fake CV.
Howard Chadwick combines Pythonesque bluster with a hint of Rigsby from Rising Damp to create quite a monster.
There's plenty of soul-searching in the downtrodden form of weary weaver Stephen Blackpool (Anthony Hunt) who wears his cloth cap dignity despite a heartbreaking, unhappy marriage.
The stage is awash with colour when the circus run by big-hearted showman Mr Sleary (Paul Barnhill) comes to town.
When they appear it is like watching a film switch from black and white into technicolour.
Suzanne Ahmet's sparkling circus performer and later reluctant pupil Sissy Jupe makes a fine debut.
The ensemble work hard throughout the two- hour 50 minute production successfully juggling various roles.
Northern Broadsides have turned a glass half-empty novel into a glass half-full theatrical joy.
Four stars - a Dickensian Delight
The show's run ends on Saturday.
Tickets from 0151 709 4776
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