The Adventures of Elmo In Grouchland

Grouchland is through a dustbin, not the looking glass, and Elmo is a soft toy, not a girl called Alice.

The Sesame Street crowd is here, which means Jim Henson's puppeteers, with their quirky ideas - a sock chorus in one of the musical numbers is particularly enjoyable.

Elmo is a naive, sweet creature from Animal's side of the Muppet family, whose best friend is his blanket. When an eccentric recluse (Mandy Patinkin), whose only desire is to own everything, purloins the garment, Elmo sets off to rescue it.

This means going to Grouchland, crossing the dangerous garbage dump, ruled by the Queen of Trash (delectable Vanessa Williams, who belts out the best ballad), and climbing a slagheap. He is brave and true, conquering his fear in the best Sesame tradition, and being, in every way, a valued and lovable companion.