Clever, charming and cheerful, this year's Christmas treat at MAST Mayflower Studios is a delight from start to finish. 

Fifty young people star in Christmas youth production The Wind in the Willows Toad's Big Musical Adventure, another absolute belter from director Jacquelyn Ockwell and her team.

If you’re familiar with Kenneth Grahame’s beloved tale, you’ll recognise all your favourite characters, endearingly brought to life on stage. 

(Image: Stuart Martin/MAST Mayflower Studios) READ MORE: A giant festive hit: what we thought of Southampton panto Jack and the Beanstalk

The beloved children's classic is not an easy prospect for adaptation. Even a much-hyped version which came to Southampton on its world premiere tour eight years ago, written by Downton Abbey's Julian Fellowes and with Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber in the Mayflower Theatre audience, was a bit of a let down.

But this uproarious musical version of the gently told riverbank tale of friendship between sensible Rat, naive Mole, wise Badger and devilish hits just the right note. 

Alex Lockhart steals the show as Toad, getting the air of pomposity and sense of fun spot on. But every single member of the cast excels in an ensemble piece which includes incredible choreography to well-known chart toppers like Mr Blue Sky, Best Day Of My Life and Believer. 

(Image: Stuart Martin/MAST Mayflower Studios) All of Toad's fads - think everything from paddle boarding to hot air ballooning - end in disaster, and there's always some obsession Ratty, Mole, Badger and all their riverside and woodland friends have to rescue him from. Worst of all, he discovers the thrill of the motor car and gets banged up for a 20-year stretch for various motoring offences and mouthing off at the magistrate. 

While Toad languishes in jail, Toad Hall - which apparently makes Mottisfont look like a shed and is grander than Chewton Glen - is taken over by the stoats and the weasels. 

Cue an epic escape and a brilliant showdown between all the creatures, armed with various weapons. 

(Image: Stuart Martin/MAST Mayflower Studios) The sets are delightful, particularly the feel of the riverside during the changing seasons. The vehicles - cars, a train and a brightly painted caravan - were cleverly done and I loved the attention to detail on the costumes.

Poop, poop! It's a festive treat worth shouting about. 

Tickets from mayflower.org.uk