The Uncanny Valley[author-post-rating] (3/5 stars)

Superbolt Theatre’s sweet show manages to make old tropes feel fresh by giving them a sci-fi twist. Set in the future, the company has created its world well and realises it with commitment and skill. A series of rainbow sock puppets start the narrative, introducing us to our hero, Wilson – using a tiny grey sock as a child is surprisingly effective.

We’re in a world where people live in pods and know their death dates, where flat screen TVs permeate every aspect of lives. The company works hard to realise its world convincingly, with an especially impressive use of physicality to play the robotic humanoids who tell us our tale and play all of the characters – including Phoebe, a robot which Wilson learns to love, and which gradually learns to love him back.

The script is clever, with lots of mentions of circuitry and re-wiring to describe a burgeoning relationship; Wilson and Phoebe make connections and, as she begins to love, she declares that all her systems are operational. It’s very sweet, but this fairly typical love-across-a-divide story is wrapped up in a tale of a lonely meteorologist trying to warn people about dangerous weather. Wilson is an endearingly awkward character, nicely off-set by the jerky and robotic Phoebe – her movements are particularly well done along with her wide-eyed, unblinking stare. All three of the cast play the future beings they purport to be well, but are generally more entertaining when playing the characters in their own story.

It’s fun stuff with some tender moments, and is performed with conviction and charisma. It’s not an original story (love is the most important thing in the world – who knew?) but it is told in a highly original and amusing way. And it features the first robot I’ve seen with a fondness for Kettle Chips.

The Uncanny Valley is at Underbelly Bristo Square until 25 August. For more information and tickets visit the Edinburgh Fringe website.