Dustpan Odyssey[author-post-rating] (3/5 Stars)

Miscellaneous monsters and brick beasts stalk the shores of Philippe Gently’s mythical children’s tale, the Dustpan Odyssey. Three puppeteers, accompanied by their corkscrew co-star Ulysses and his confectionary cohorts, set sail on animated adventure.

We’re launched into a world of unique nautical stagecraft; the audience are born aloft on the waves, sailing across a beautifully constructed sea. One enchanting scene in which Ulysses dives to the depths is wonderfully rendered. The miniature stage glows with oceanic radiance, reflecting Philippe Gently’s characteristic eye for visual splendour. Ironically it’s on the ocean floor that the show demonstrates the heights of its small scale craft, the underwater explorations are achieved with spellbinding simplicity.

The pace only begins to stagnate when the island hoping slows and the story becomes landlocked. The tales find themselves partially beached and meander somewhat aimlessly along the coast. It’s not just the blinded cyclops who thinks these adventurers may have overstayed their welcome. Additionally there’s no escape onshore from the constant tidal wave of puns, most of which sink sadly beneath the waves.

Like curiously shaped pieces of driftwood on the shore the play is littered with innovative yet somewhat baffling set-pieces. From seductive cabbages to erotic dismemberment on amnesia isle, these encounters could certainly be called memorable if not completely coherent.

Aside from this, the show excels at sea-bound slapstick. There’s nothing more fun then the moments where foam is being fired across the stage and sparklers are being set off. But these displays are surprisingly scarce. It seems strange for both the kids and older audience members to be united in silently urging the cast to continue its fleeting balloon barrage. Despite the few pond-snail paced scenes Dustpan Odyssey proves a delightfully entertaining voyage, with an imagination as boundless as the deep blue sea.

Dustpan Odyssey is playing at the New Town Theatre as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival until 25 August. For more information and tickets, please see to the Edinburgh Fringe Website.