The Alchemist, Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne

IT may have lost a little of that magical Paulo Coelho mysticism in its transition from page to stage, but Dominic Knutton's production of The Alchemist is nothing less than pure gold.

And if a little mysticism went by the wayside, it was compensated for by the fact that Coelho's cult classic, the most unlikely of comedies, was turned by this cast of witty deliverers into a refreshing piece of entertainment.

Men dressed as women, women dressed as men and humans of both sexes masquerading as sheep, were but part of this play's warm humour.

Simple props put to effective use combined with the energetic performance of actors able to turn their hand to any number of parts, scaled this drama back to the solid roots of good old-fashioned story telling.

With proficient use of sound and costume, it was easy to be drawn into the world of the shepherd boy Santiago, and remain immersed with him in his journey over sand and sea to find treasure and true love.

Lovers of this book must approach this play with a mind determinedly open.

Though it stays true to the plot and message of Coelho's original story, the aforementioned humorous tone may disappoint those hankering for the same spiritually moving experience provided by the novel.