Tim and Light

Hal Chambers has created a mesmerising original tale in Tim and Light. Under his direction, the story comes to life through a group of talented actors and puppeteers, who manipulate a range of household items to assemble a charming landscape with more than a passing resemblance to a child’s play area.

An old bed sheet becomes a backdrop for captivating shadow puppetry, and a chest of drawers doubles up as a mini-stage and train station. With these humble props, the story of 13-year-old Tim and his cat, Light, unfolds as the duo go on a mysterious journey that ends at an old house. Here, they find an imprisoned girl and discover the sinister motives of its occupant in a wonderfully dramatised flashback scene.

While the peripheral characters are fun and engaging, Tim – a beautifully crafted puppet – is more than worthy his central status. The actors manipulate him in such a way as to make him really seem like a gawky young teenager. The intricacy of the story means that the attention span of very young children may wander, but this is much more than just a show for kids: it’s an ode to friendship with which people of any age can identify.

Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 29 Aug, 12.30pm, £9/8 (£8/7).