This latest production from Todmorden Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society at the Hippodrome Theatre is a credit to the talented team which scores full marks for theatrical surprises such as a skating party, choice of incidental music, authentic costumes and charming scenery including a greenhouse which also boasts a Bible.

Producer John Spooner says he enjoys dramas that allow for a wide-ranging mix of ages and hopes this production will "sell" the talents of young and old alike.

He certainly succeeds in this aspiration. The polished individual efforts, particularly Joseph Rolfe as Tom, reflect the solid back-up of a well-drilled team of enthusiasts.

The magical drama centres upon a grandfather clock, the hour thirteen o'clock and the garden complete with head gardener who takes a dim view of time travel.

Chloe Gray as Hattie and Tom Sutcliffe as Tom's brother Peter are strong support to the lead character and it is a credit to them that they persuade us to suspend belief in common-sense and join them in their dream-like chain of events.

Joyce Fraser as Aunt Gwen and Michael Gill as Uncle Alan provide a down-to-earth normality which is a contrast to the main fantasy-rooted plot.

When faced with Tom's questions about the nature of time she points out that it is time for her to do the shopping and leaves it to her pipe-smoking husband to field the troublesome matter of changing dimensions of reality.

The production began strongly, and moved along with pace aided by moments of tension such as a fall from a tree house and profound debate - what exactly does an extract from Revelation mean?

The twist at the end actually took me by surprise - I honestly didn't see it coming.

Those already familiar with the story by Philippa Pearce would be pleased that the cast remained faithful to her impressive ability to capture a chain of events from a child's point of view.

Those coming to the story for the first time were delighted to be carried away to a world where things are not what they seem, particularly when the clock strikes thirteen.