GOBLINS, trolls and fire-breathing dragons took over Blackpool's Grand Theatre this week and transformed it into a mythical and magical playground for JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit.

This superb Vanessa Ford production returned once more to take the town's audience on an exciting and dangerous journey through the misty mountains of the ancient world -- middle-earth.

We followed the fate and fortune of the very likeable main character Bilbo Baggins -- a small, rather awkward and clumsy little fellow who makes a most unlikely, fallible and funny hero.

Cardiff-born actor Michael Geary who has worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company, played the part of our fumbling and loveable Hobbit Mr Baggins with an uncanny ease.

He excelled all my expectations of what Mr Baggins would look and act like, bringing this wonderful story-book legend to life by giving him a bashful and rather timid nature teamed with quirky actions and a strange shuffling little walk.

The other player who stole the show was Clive Kneller with his completely awesome portrayal of the most fearful and cunning character in the story -- Gollum.

A hilarious and clever banter of wit and riddles strikes up between himself and Mr Baggins which is highly amusing and completely captivating. We watch and cringe as the strange, twisted and half-skeletal body of Gollum writhes up and down with excitement as he anticipates eating his next meal -- Mr Baggins.

A mention must also go to the talented James Earl Adair, who has a long list of past credits to his name. He plays the role of the wise and powerful sorcerer Gandalf who blends in and out of the stage scenery with a supernatural style.

He oversees the dwarves and Bilbo Baggins as they venture on their dangerous quest and pulls the plot and characters together towards a very moving and touching finale.

Finally, I should like to congratulate the entire cast for the rousing and foot-stomping dance they perform at the end with such energy and enthusiasm. The rowdy Barn/Celtic dance is highly uplifting and ensures everyone goes away smiling or vowing to return to another performance of the show -- as I indeed did!

Last week the Grand was also treated to a one-off rip-roaring performance by Ardal O'Hanlon. Fresh from hit TV series Big Bad World and Father Ted, Ardal delivered his own inimitable humour to a welcoming and good-humoured crowd -- despite the performance being delayed an hour.