Given that nursery schools the world over have already realised the potential of dried pasta shapes to entertain small children, this lovely little show by Italian puppeteers Placedumarche seems to be the next logical step in pasta-based play.

The premise may be deceptively simple: the pasta comes to life, escapes from the shopping bag and goes on to create imaginary landscapes – however, that would belie the serious levels of enthusiasm and effort that has gone into creating a multitude of clever puppets. On wires, the pasta becomes glowing, floating butterflies; armies of rigatoni march across the stage in formation, Catherine wheels of penne blur like lights and sparkling macaroni rain descends. Somehow, they’ve discovered that dried pasta looks utterly magical under a stark spotlight.

There are comic set pieces where a group of cannelloni worships a tomato, and the naughty runaway pasta piece should certainly raise a lot of giggles.

There’s a lot to look at, but towards the end, things do start to lag a bit (there are only so many situations the pasta can get into, and 50 minutes feels too long). However, as an exercise in encouraging children to see the imaginative potential in everything, it succeeds.

Assembly George Square, 623 3030, until 21 Aug, 10.30am, £7 (£5).

PASTA! Macaroni Puppet's Show - Teaser