Every summer the Bubble comes out to play in London's parks and open spaces. Over the years, this little company has given me much more pleasure than many bigger, better funded and more fashionable companies. In part it is due to the relaxed outdoor nature of the shows, in part because the company has always cultivated a direct relationship with its audience, and in part because British theatre still offers too few opportunities for children and adults to enjoy shows side by side. There is plenty of theatre for adults and plenty for children, but very little that gives simultaneous joy to young and old.
This year's offering is less family-friendly for three reasons. Firstly it doesn't start until twilight (currently 9pm) and lasts two hours, which means that the finish is long past my bedtime, let alone the children's. Secondly, the story - based on James Stephens' novel, a piece of blarney about leprechauns and philosophers - has none of the familiarity (conscious of subconscious) of past Bubble offerings. The final problem is that it has far more narrative than even I could manage. There are times during the performance when you just want to yell: "Slow down!."
Those caveats aside, there is much to enjoy. Jonathan Petherbridge's production captures the eccentricities of Irish rural life, creating a tongue-in-cheek world of stolen children and gold, mischievous little green people, a lascivious Pan, stupid philosophers who know how to think but not to live, and last minute reprieves from the gallows. The quasi-spiritual you-have-to-go-on-a-long-journey-to-find-yourself stuff may be a little hard to take, but there is no doubting the zest of the production and performers.
It is certainly something to get your teeth into after dark, and there are some moments of real magic when the milky moon comes out from behind the clouds, fiery faces flame in the distance and a song is carried on the still night air.
· Touring London until August 14. Details: 020-7237 1663.
