The Smeds And The Smoos is Julia Donaldson’s take on Romeo & Juliet, an intergalactic retelling that pits the red Smeds (who swim, and sleep in beds) against the blue Smoos (who jump, and sleep in holes). Janet (Smed) and Bill (Smoo) meet in the woods, to the horror of their grandparents whose constant warnings that they must not play together have clearly gone unheeded. They decide to wed and hot-foot it to another planet, forcing Grandpa Smed and Grandma Smoo to put aside their differences and work together to bring them home. 

Tall Stories’ production brims with gusto, performed by four actors who pour their hearts into the storytelling, by narrating, puppeteering and singing their way through this tale. There are interactive dance-along bits to keep kids’ attention and a lovely depiction of blossoming romance between Janet and Bill, who teach and encourage each other in their respective skills while celebrating their differences. 

Barney George and Yvonne Stone’s designs, meanwhile, bring to life Axel Scheffler’s iconic Donaldson illustrations, in soft smudgy colours and friendly puppet monsters. Stone’s puppets, in particular, are brilliant for appearing sentient while also not attempting to hide the actors within them, lest they appear too frightening. 

The show is a little on the long side (you can set your watch by small children in a theatre, who start chuntering after exactly 35 minutes), but with some energetic songs and an adorable puppet baby, the cast win the crowd back towards the end. 

Pleasance Courtyard, until 21 August, 11am.