We all know what it feels like to be diminished and to have our spirits dampened by external forces. For most people, the lion’s share of that happens via peer pressure at school, and this energetic yet poignant one-woman musical sets out to encapsulate those feelings.

Performer and songwriter Kat Kleve is a human dynamo on stage. Bursting with energy, she commands the space with ease, looking fabulous in a pale green fairy outfit. The ‘Tink’ of the title, unsurprisingly, is a reference to Peter Pan’s sidekick sprite; only here, she takes the starring role. Our ‘Tink’ is a strong young fairy trying to find her place in the world, determined not to lose her spark but struggling to bat back the negativity flowing in her direction from ‘best friend’ Chloe.

What hits most here is the very visual manifestation of her diminishment, the lights flickering and growing dimmer each time she receives a barbed comment or put-down. Lizzy Connolly’s book is cleverly written in rhyme, with some laugh-out-loud moments, and Kleve’s songs carry a gentle sweetness. Dressed up and delivered like a show for family audiences, but with content that’s squarely teen-plus, Tink falls between two stools a little but will leave you with a full heart. 

Tink, Underbelly Bristo Square, until 20 August, 12.55pm.