THERE can be few ( no?) productions in the history of theatre with a title as unattractive. However (as someone once said), don't judge a book by its cover. Cwmbran Youth Theatre have produced a masterstroke by bringing to Wales this relatively unknown but excellent show that suited this young company so well.

By turns wonderfully oddball, highly energetic and hilarious, it first appeared off-Broadway in the early millennium and surely deserves to be better-known. 

It's style lies somewhere between the productions of Brecht (stylised and full of political satire especially of corporate corruption and capitalism) and 'The Little Shop of Horrors'.

The music is a mix of gospel, jazz, Klezmer and other popular styles and has many memorable numbers (such as 'Snuff that girl' and 'Run freedom run'), especially in Act 2.

The young cast do the whole thing proud with great ensemble numbers and excellent choreography.

Ben Roberts as Officer Lockstock leads the action expertly and receives great support from his sidekick Officer Barrel (Oscar Sayani) great comic timing here.

There were numerous outstandingly characterised performances. These included the evil Caldwell Cladwell (Connor Davies) and his daughter Hope (Isobel Jones) who leads the way to a better tomorrow, also Hope's love interest Bobby Strong (Sean Knights) and Kelsey Oliver as Penelope Pennywise. 

The whole show is accompanied by a superb band led by MD Wayne Beecham. 

The longstanding director of the CYT, Rachel Hamilton, can rarely have been as proud of her young performers.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable evening of musical theatre. Bravo!