If you go down to the woods today you’re sure of a big surprise.

That’s because there will be no teddy bears eating a picnic, like you’d expect.

Instead, you’ll be treated to a nightmarish episode of The Great British Bake Off in which the meat pie showstopper tastes strangely of human flesh. Sounds vile, doesn’t it? But what do you expect from a Brothers Grimm fairy tale?

In this instance, the Welsh National Opera have taken on one of their more recognisable works, Hansel and Gretel , and served up a tasty treat.

It manages to combine a smorgasbord of genres, beginning with kitchen sink drama before adding a pinch of horror, a drop of surrealist fantasy, and finishing off with a huge dollop of the grotesque.

It all makes for a very fine concoction of fun and frolics, infused with a little dark subject matter, and smothered in a thick layer of morality.

Quite what Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood would make of it is anyone’s guess.

What can be said is that this production, part of WNO’s Spellbound season, although a little unsettling and downright weird at times nevertheless puts a satisfying smile onto the face… Now, anyone for pie?

Ailish Tynan (Gretel) and Jurgita Adamonyté (Hansel) in WNO's Hansel and Gretel
Ailish Tynan (Gretel) and Jurgita Adamonyté (Hansel) in WNO's Hansel and Gretel

Venue Cymru Young Critics

The Venue Cymru Young Critics programme is for young people aged between 16 and 25 who live or study in North Wales.

The Young Critics see shows at Venue Cymru, Llandudno and Theatr Colwyn, Colwyn Bay, then review the productions and have their work mentored by professionals in the field of journalism.

Their reviews are published on a dedicated blog site. This is the first project of its kind in North Wales and is supported by Arts Council of Wales and Principality Building Society.

Anyone interested in applying to join the programme should email joann.rae@conwy.gov.uk

Read what Daily Post Arts, Heritage and Culture reporter Eryl Crump thought of the pertformance.