Anansi is the kind of naughty folk antihero you are supposed to find despicable, but can't help loving a little bit. He is selfish, thoughtless and so greedy he will even cheat his friends for the sake of a hot dinner. But there is something seductive about the "spiderman", as 11-year-old tearaway Omari discovers, almost to his cost, in this sweet, rough-and-ready adaptation of Anansi tales by Talawa theatre company.
Written by Trish Cooke, Anansi Trades Places is packed with moral messages, not just for children but their parents, too. It teaches about sharing and responsibility for others, and about the choices it is possible to make in life, not least between happiness and discontent. It also reminds adults that there is no point chasing one's tail at work if earning money leaves you with no time to enjoy and instruct your children - not least with folk tales, which, Cooke notes tartly, are now ignored in favour of TV and computer games.
If there is a hint of hectoring, it is almost undermined by a peculiar plot point in which Omari demonstrates his accruing wisdom by using the threat of violence to get what he wants. But it is balanced by plenty of straightforward entertainment, notably two show-stealing turns from Susan Lawson-Reynolds as a fey, fluttery firefly, and Malinda Parris as the domineering tiger's wife.
The songs, ranging from reggae to grime to soulful ballads, have a catchy charm and are enlivened with buoyant choreography by the show's director, Paul J Medford. As Anansi, Geoff Aymer never looks comfortable with the dance routines, which is probably fitting given what a slovenly character he is. But Shyko Amos makes up for it as Omari: with limbs apparently attached to rubber springs, she flings herself about the stage with dazzling energy, before tumbling to the floor in hilarious displays of pre-pubescent pouty attitude.
· Until January 5. Box office: 0870 033 2600.
