A HUGELY entertaining, dark and magical cycle of folk tales from around the world is taking centre stage at The Actors’ Hub this November.

Written by Carol Ann Duffy and adapted by Melly Still, Rats’ Tales deliciously confronts the dark side of the imagination which makes the tales all the more illuminating.

“It’s supposedly the case that you’re never more than 10 feet away from a rat,” director Amanda Crewes said.

“With Rats’ Tales, you’re certainly never far from a fiendish plot twist, a thrilling metaphor or a dazzling feat of theatrical invention.”

The latest production comes in the wake of Crewes previously directing Duffy’s Grimm Tales, dramatised by Tim Supple. 

“These productions are so much fun – great ensemble pieces,” she said. “They challenge the actor’s ability to create and imbue character.

“The stories are so fun for the audience, too, and they allow a director to really step into their imagination.”

The main challenge, according to Crewes, is trying to re-create the magic the stories bring to the imagination for stage.

“It requires strong characterisations and is physically demanding,” she said. “They’re vivid characters and the actors have to push themselves both vocally and physically with their choices.

“From an audience perspective, it’s exciting to see an actor transform into different characters – they love that sort of thing and wonder ‘How did they do that?’

“It’s wonderfully creative with the actors on stage the entire time.

“The show is good old-fashioned fun and pure entertainment, as the actors embody these larger-than-life characters.”

Rats’ Tales plays 7pm November 21, 22, 23 and 24 with a 2pm matinee November 24. Tickets are $30, $25 concession – book at www.trybooking.com/ZCDG.

The Actors’ Hub is at 129 Kensington Street, East Perth.