FEATURING superb illusions by Paul Kieve, who created magic effects for 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban', The Lowry presents a thrilling stage production of 'The Witches' from 25-29 January.

Roald Dahl's story tells the adventure of a seven year old boy and his somewhat-magical grandmother who battle with real-life witches, led by the most powerful villainous of them all- the Grand High Witch. Plotting to get rid of all the children in England, she has a hideous plan to take over all the sweet shops, poison the children with chocolate and transform them into mice.

"In fairy tales witches always wear silly black hats and black cloaks and they ride on broomsticks. But this is not a fairy tale. This is about real witches. Real witches dress in ordinary clothes and look very much like ordinary women. They live in ordinary houses and they work in ordinary jobs. That is why they are so hard to catch."

'Carry On' and St Trinian's actress Dilys Laye heads the cast as the grandmother. In a long and distinguished career she spent several seasons with the Royal Shakespeare Company and has appeared in the West End and on Broadway.

The story's plucky hero Bruno will be played by Liverpool actor Keith Saha, who studied at Salford University and recently appeared in Wise Guys at the Contact Theatre in Manchester.

'The Witches' is suitable for children aged seven and above. Tickets cost from £9-£14.50 and are available from The Lowry box office on 0870 787 5793.