by Rachel Quigley

The Snail and the Whale enjoyed a successful run at the Alley Theatre when over 1,000 children from local schools and others as far as Derry and Omagh settled into their seats to enjoy 45 minutes of magic, live music, black light animation and breath-taking illusion.

Children as young as three years old filled the auditoriums last Thursday and Friday and watched delightedly as the popular tale unfolded in front of them.

Excited whispers and murmurs filled the theatre as the actors took to the stage to perform the well-known captivating story about a tiny snail who longs to see the world and hitches a lift on the tail of a whale.

Together they go on an amazing journey, past icebergs and volcanoes, sharks and penguins, and the little snail feels so small in the vastness of the world.

But when disaster strikes and the whale is beached in a bay, it's the tiny snail who saves the day.

The award-winning children's theatre group, Cahoots NI, enjoyed five sell out shows which were thoroughly enjoyed by kids, parents and teachers alike.

Nathan Flatman, marketing manager of the Alley said, "The Snail and the Whale was a great success, all the kids who came down had a really great time.

It was a great way of introducing children to the theatre. They were able to see special effects, magic, lights and music and they all loved it. It's been great for the schools and the district as a whole."

The Alley has further great children shows on offer this season including the Emperor's New clothes ((June 16 and 28) and Goldilocks and the Three Bears (June 14 and 16). For further information please contact the Alley Theatre on 028 7138 4444 or visit www.alley-theatre.com