IT WAS the sound of fire alarms rather than sleigh bells that greeted the audience as they settled down to see last night's performance.

But the drama was soon explained - a mischievous child had opened a fire door.

So, half an hour after the original start time, we settled down to the Nuffield theatre's Christmas show.

The Snow Queen proved to be worth the wait. Director Patrick Sandford's adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairy tale was as flawless as a snowflake.

From the beautiful icy set with its revolving stage to the enchanting musical score, The Snow Queen will melt the hardest of hearts.

The show tells the story of a little girl, Gerda, who is looking for her lost friend, Kai. He has been stolen away by the evil snow queen, who has pierced his heart and eye with a shard of glass, possessing him with her sinister and cruel powers.

Gerda simply refuses to give up, and battles on to find her friend.

Andy Spiegel as the Raven brings humour (with some very corny jokes) to what is a dark fairy tale, and Lisa McNaught as Gerda is charming.

Michele Moran adds a certain chill to the atmosphere as the Snow Queen, but steals the show with her beautiful ethereal singing.

The Snow Queen will get you in the mood for Christmas, and a special little touch at the end will make you leave the theatre with a grin on your face.

The Snow Queen Nuffield Theatre, Southampton