You’re An Instrument is a surprisingly deceptive children’s show. Beginning with a pair of boffins explaining their research, it takes an abrupt turn for the wild when an audience volunteer swallows a pill and becomes capable of making sounds simply by moving. Amid raucous audience interaction, kids are invited on stage to shake, rattle and roll objects, generating a spontaneous improvised jam that ends up somewhere between a riot in primary school and musique concrète. 

By the time the scientists admit they were cheating (they would never take untested pills to make music), the audience have been involved in experimental music, indulged in the joy of making fart sounds into a tune, and engaged with the potential playfulness of electronic noise manipulation. The last third of the show reveals the trickery: although the secret cannot be revealed outside of this venue, their apparent magic is the application of rigorous science. Explaining how it all works only adds to the mystery and fun, and the crowd are invited to join in for one last session.

With the scientists pitching their delivery to a younger audience, the show strikes the right balance between education and play, and even if the action does descend into unfocused chaos in its middle, they pull it back well with their explanations. Tipping the hat to both the importance of scientific seriousness and messing about for the sake of it, You’re An Instrument! chases and achieves the elusive goal of a children’s show that’s neither patronising nor tedious. 

You’re An Instrument!, Pleasance Courtyard, until 25 August, 10.30am; main picture: Emile Zile.