Most of us would struggle to remember the first time we watched television, surfed the net or twiddled a gaming joystick but it’s fair to say that few of us ever forget our first theatrical foray, usually accompanied by our parents, to a seasonal show at our local theatre.

It’s a lasting enchantment for many; and the Wharf Theatre in Devizes has been initiating youngsters into this dreamworld for over 50 years. Seen through a child’s eyes, David Wood’s The Gingerbread Man cannot fail to cast this spell. Full of warmth and wit, and performed with real heart, the production has more charm than a gypsy’s bracelet, to the credit of director Linda Swann.

The lights come up on to a superb and colourful set of outsized objects on a shelf (I particularly liked the transistor radio). We are introduced to a sore throated Swiss cuckoo, an ol’ sea salt cellar, a red-hot peppermill, and, of course, our initially floppy hero, who soon develops enough backbone to take on the miserable Old Tea Bag who rules the upper shelf and then Sleek the Mouse, who fancies untying his tongue just long enough to have a crumb of ginger for his supper.

Greater fears lie with the ‘Bigguns’ who hold the power of life or dustbin over all.

Of course, our sweetmeat superhero saves the day.

All the players excel: Beryl Baggs is a perfect brew as Old Tea Bag. Adrian Hopkinson belies his character’s woodiness as Cuckoo. Kim Wright’s Salt is full of brine and brio. Tori Burt’s Pepper is more red hot chilli and Emily Jayne Anslow as the Gingerbread Man brings all her usual vivacity and sheer likeability to the role.

But for this child of maturer years, the standout performer was Kevin Smith as Sleek the Mouse. Full of scurrying menace and delivering his perfect spoonerisms in DeNiro’s voice, he makes a perfect villain to hiss.

Oh yes he does.