ONCE upon a time, Englebert Humperdinck’s fairytale opera was presented as a regular Christmas treat at Leeds Town Hall. That was during the brief life of the much lamented Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra, from 1947-55.

Sadly, the days when this enchanting work could be treated as festive fairytale froth appear to have long since passed.

Edward Dick’s new production for Opera North ticks all the politically correct boxes. By placing the entire action in the shabby fitted kitchen of a tower block council flat, Dick underlines the depressing reality that children can be exposed to as much danger in their own homes as they are outside them.

Hansel and Gretel are deprived latch key kids, inseparable from their technical gizmos. Gretel films with a hand held camera and the images are magnified on to the walls. The audience sees the kids’ insular world of social media as they see it with their faces bathed in the cold white light of their screen displays.

Thanks to the video wizardry and spooky lighting in Acts 2 and 3, the kitchen is magically transformed into the mysterious forest and witch’s gingerbread house of our imagination.

Opera North’s superlative cast enter into the spirit of the production concept with gusto. Katie Bray’s Hansel and Fflur Wyn’s Gretel are absolutely believable characters. Both sing off the words with clarity and brilliance.

Susan Bullock - previously a celebrated Electra and Salome at Opera North - doubles as their blousy step mother and the wicked Witch. Bullock thoroughly enjoys herself as an alluring predator with big hair, shades and a fur coat.

This Witch tempts Hansel and Gretel with junk food goodies from the fridge and waves her battery operated hand whisk to cast magic spells.

Stephen Gadd is the drunken sot of a father; Rachel J Moseley and Amy Freston contribute delightful cameos as (respectively) the Sandman and the Dew Fairy.

The Chorus of Gingerbread Children will bring a tear to the eye. However, the Orchestra of Opera North are the most enduring stars of the show.

Conductor Christopher Alstaedt illuminates the menacing undertones as well as the magic and fun of Humperdinck’s sumptuous post-Wagnerian score.

Hansel and Gretel continues in repertory with the Snow Maiden and Cinderella, at Leeds Grand Theatre until February 25.