In theory, E Nesbit’s classic story has all the ingredients and potential for a very successful stage show. There are endearing characters, nice locations and the opportunity for some amazing special effect and there is even an ending weepy enough to ensure a lot of damp hankies . . . Talking Scarlet has produced an ambitious musical adaptation which just scrapes by, but only by the skin of its teeth . . .

The bath, which dominates the stage, is used to good effect, being able to spawn and conceal figures from Grant’s damaged mind like a clever magician. The bath (a means of self-cleansing, geddit?) is, wouldn’t you just know it, blocked. Despite numerous entreaties by Penny and the liberal use of a plunger, it remains so until the end . . . Theatre Témoin is an original and innovative young company whose heart is undoubtedly in the right place . . .