A THUNDEROUS rumble, hot ash spewing into the sky; as the real Mount Merapi erupts on the island of Java, Indonesia, an adaptation of Philip Pullman’s story, The Firework-Maker’s Daughter featuring Mount Merapi, opens at The Churchill Theatre, Bromley.

Fantasy and adventure light up the stage in the story of Lila whose dreams of becoming a firework maker are dashed by her father who tells her its no job for a girl.

Determined to prove herself, Lila sets out for Mount Merapi in search of Royal Sulphur and the secrets of firework making.

Lila bravely journeys through a deadly jungle with slithering snakes, spooky ghosts and a towering fire-fiend.

Along the way, she encounters a motley crew of singing pirates, with bloody intent but big hearts and comic timing.

Pullman wrote the trilogy of plays His Dark Materials which were a hit among the young and the less young at the National Theatre.

In this short story, fairy tale meets allegory as we learn that courage and true friends will lead to success.

The Firework-maker’s Daughter is a sparkling, colourful adaptation by the musically-talented Birmingham Stage Company.

It is made for children, which the company are known for doing, but it does not make that crossover into adult entertainment which led Pullman’s other adaptations to such success.

Indonesian-styled costumes make eye-catching treats to cast a spell over the young audience, while bright coloured silks are used to form trees, mountains and rivers.

Lovely puppets created under the guidance of Toby Oliè are used to great effect to depict a talking white elephant, Hamlet, who helps Lila on her quest which sees Lila climbing the scary Mount Merapi and watching the fireworks display by Colonel Sparkington – who rides a rocket like a bucking bronco into the sky.

Other fireworks are shown imaginatively with glow in the dark materials and confetti, setting the mood for this coming bonfire night.

Ben Wong plays Chulak, Lila’s loyal friend, with just the right amount of child-like gaiety and shows off his delightful classical singing voice to a round of applause.

Laura Durrant, however, is more like a tightly wound cotton bobbin playing Lila with an uncomfortable shrieking imitation of a child.

There is always a risk casting an adult in a child's role and Ms Durrant’s performance was unconvincing.

The chirpy pirate Rambashi (Craig Painting) is the bubbly, comical cracker in this play, always looking for the next 'million rupee idea’.

More cheery songs of ‘harmonious distraction’ from him and his tuneful pirates liven up proceedings far more than the dreary monotonous, “A Thousand Miles Ago…” which is monotonously repeated throughout the show.

The Firework-Maker’s Daughter is an exciting show for young children but needs some work if it is to make it into the big leagues of fantasy theatre which is fast becoming a popular form of entertainment.

The Firework-maker's Daughter. The Churchill, High Street, Bromley. Until Saturday. Call 0844 8717620 or visit ambassadortickets.com/bromley