Dreams are at the heart of this children’s show, as the protagonist Sleepyhead, played by award-winning clown Gemma Soldati, takes audiences on a coming-of-age journey to reach the mythical destination of ‘adulthood’. In this engaging hour, children and parents are invited to share their bedtime stories and sleep-related tips, all the while kept on call to wake Sleepyhead when she inevitably nods off.

Many sensory boxes are ticked, with the inclusion of jazz music, glistening props and even a shadow-puppet sequence. Mess is also embraced, with a classic shaving foam/whipped cream bit and a dream cook-along, which calls for ingredients like glitter, sand and many, many feathers. The narrative follows Sleepyhead on her quest against time to keep her childhood dreams alive, with assistance from the moon and sun (both depicted as large static puppets voiced by Soldati’s parents). 

^{Picture: Dan Derby}

With the performance suitable for children of all ages, Sleepyhead isn’t startled by baby heckles and, in fact, embraces them, moulding deviating moments into jokes which the adults in attendance can enjoy. A few wobbles from forgotten lines were well recovered from and, most impressively, little ones remained enthralled in the action for a full hour. 

Assembly Roxy, until 29 August, 11.10am.