A NEW interactive installation at Darlington’s Hullabaloo youth theatre has been a hit with children and families.

The Enchanted Forest is the theatre’s first creative play area, open since December, and lets children up to the age of ten explore fairy-tales and folklore.

Partly-designed and inspired by local children’s ideas, the installation was created by scenographer and digital artist Roma Patel, of the University of Nottingham Mixed Reality Lab.

The playroom has five different features for children to interact with, such as giant lily pads that make music when stepped on and a story tree where children can sit, play with props and listen to tales told by fairies. It runs until February 24.

Ms Patel said: “Children have enjoyed the freedom to play and the additional level of interactivity that brings a sense of magic and embodied playfulness.”

Miranda Thain, artistic producer at Hullabaloo, said: “It has been a total delight seeing so many children and families enjoying visiting since we opened in December.

"We have already welcomed almost 1,000 children in to play, exceeding our targets, and look forward to welcoming many more.”