You needn’t be familiar with Laura Wall’s illustrated kids’ books to enjoy this sweet and simple story of Sophie, a lonely girl who loves playing pretend. After meeting Goose in the park, they become inseparable. TaleGate have plenty of experience in panto and school shows, so know how to draw in their audience of under-fives: babies coo when Goose says hello to the front row and bigger kids get to splash in imaginary muddy puddles.

Bill Oddie adds a soothing voiceover, puppets of farmyard animals bounce over the small stage and projections of a playpark get the kids involved in hide and seek, and counting games. Gentle storytelling and songs keep them entertained and, at 45 minutes long, no one has time to get too fidgety. One baby burst into tears when Goose honked goodbye, then immediately quietened down when he returned, clear proof that the show’s two performers are bringing the crowd into their world of make believe. 

TaleGate Theatre: Goose, theSpace @ Niddry Street, until 10 August, 9.55am.