THEATRE fans have been giving the thumbs-up to Birmingham Repertory Theatre's centenary celebration production of children's fantasy I Was a Rat.

Philip Pullman's dark and gripping story - which is being brought to life at Birmingham's Old Rep - is a treat for audiences young and old alike.

The production combines music, physical theatre, dance and comedy to bring to life the tale of a boy who turns up on the doorstep of an old married couple and declares "I was a rat".

Young stage star Fox Jackson-Keen, who played Billy Elliot in the award-winning touring musical, wows as Roger - the boy who was a rat.

His energetic and charming depiction of the likeable central character is a delight - whileTyrone Huggins, from Birmingham, and Lorna Gayle, as elderly couple Bob and Joan, hold the fantastical story together in sterling fashion - offering wonderfully warm performances.

Director Teresa Ludovico's colourful production, which marks the first time Pullman's classic novel has been presented professionally on a UK stage, also sees a strong ensemble cast taking on multiple roles and a capable company of 11 to 14-year-old Birmingham actors putting in an appearance.

The fairytale story, adapted for the stage by Ludovico - artistic director of Teatro Kismet in Bari, Southern Italy, lends itself well to the imaginative director's minimalistic, precise and highly stylised production which employs frequent use of masks and sees multi-talented actors doubling as prop hands and musicians.

Highlights of the animated show, which follows the success of The Rep’s 2009 Philip Pullman adaptation - His Dark Materials, include a comic slow-motion running sequence and brilliantly over-blown parodies of Parliament and the Press.

Presented by Birmingham Repertory Theatre Company in association with Nottingham Playhouse Theatre Company, Ipswich’s New Wolsey Theatre and Teatro Kismet (Bari, Italy), the show runs at The Old Rep, Station Street, Birmingham, until Saturday March 2.

Tickets are available online from birmingham-rep.co.uk or the box office on 0121 236 4455.