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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - One of the all-time great classics of children's literature, this gentle story with its kindly wisdom about friendship has survived and prospered throughout the ages and has been wonderfully adapted for our stage at Northern Arts and Cultural Centre (NACC).

I have to admit that at 28 years old, I have neither read the book nor seen the movie.

All I was certain of was there would be a pig and a spider and that was enough for me. I had, of course, a child-like renewed interest in pigs for I have added a new family member to my household: Vader, my Vietnamese pot-bellied pig.

So after gathering a few friends and their children, we were off to see Saturday night's performance of Charlotte's Web.

The audience was enthralled by the energized performances of the three story tellers.

Right then I knew I was settling in for a good time. Cute and sweet with no lack of great wit, I found myself laughing so hard that during the hilarious Funky Town and Jump On It routines I was almost crying.

The actors dove so far into their characters. Their facial expressions and mannerisms added that extra je ne sais quoi.

As I looked around I noticed the young and old warmed to the barn's talking animals and perhaps started to pick favourites.

Between the over-the-top goose and g-g-g-gander, the exceptionally alluring sheep and her frolicsome lamb, the forever self-serving rat, Templeton and of course the beloved humble pig Wilbur, there was never a lack of talent to choose from.

The classic theme of friendship and loyalty was beautifully remade on stage, and the valuable reminder that lives are short, friendships priceless and that simple words can make a difference rang through clearly.

At the end of the performance, the cast and crew came out and received a well-deserved standing ovation.

Director and new drama teacher at Sir John Franklin high school, Andrea Sproxton, did a fabulous job and brought to life a hilarious and heart-warming story that was truly a crowd-pleaser for all ages.