As far as swan songs are concerned this was a pretty perfect way to bow out of life at Theatre by the Lake for artistic director Ian Forrest and designer Martin Johns.

The show, which opened on Saturday, was their last production at the Keswick theatre. Ian has been there for 18 years, Martin for 17.

It was a fantastic finale, full of energy, colour and creativity, intertwined with alluring music and lots of fun.

The Emperor and The Nightingale has been adapted for the stage by Neil Duffield, from Hans Christian Andersen’s story The Nightingale.

Set in ancient China, it tells the tale of Emperor Wu (Martin Sarreal) and peasant girl Xiao (Sally Cheng) who head off together in search of the nightingale. Their adventure teaches them about the importance of friendship and all about life - the good bits and bad.

The theatre was decked in red lanterns, the striking sets, elaborate Chinese masks, costumes, music and movement brilliantly drew us into the story.

The talented cast of eight actors turn their hands to all sorts, from playing an assortment of characters and instruments, to juggling, puppetry and dancing.

Martin and Sally mastered their roles, exuding youthfulness and energy. While evil Li-Si was brilliantly played by Joel Sams, he was a cracking baddie, with a nod to the panto villain, which the audience loved.

While the rest of the cast played an assortment of roles, including some hilarious cheeky monkeys, a special mention has to go to Amy Gardyne, who played the Nightingale. This involved gliding round the stage while brilliantly activating the puppet bird in her hand and singing various soulful songs.

She made this look incredibly easy – which it cannot have been. Her captivating performance meant we were all won over by the nightingale, which may sound heavenly but really isn’t a looker – think plain, brown, garden bird.

At another point in the production the multi-talented Amy was playing a clarinet and doing a few cartwheels.

I had three young reviewers with me (aged 10, 13 and 14) and they all enjoyed the show. It’s a great adventure for all the family and is on until January 14.

TRACY WALKER