Persephone, goddess of vernal greenery, is abducted by Hades, king of the underworld. What is her mother to do if not destroy the world? Here, the classical story is retold, and it is well enough done, with simple but strong language, many quick costume changes and some arboreal assistance. ‘Secret Storytellers’ rightfully values these powerful ancient tales, as they explain when framing the story. But I felt the device of subversive storytelling magpies in fear of rigorously rationalist ravens worked less well: not much was actually made of it but even so it risked getting in the way of the storytelling. The production seemed most suited to school groups and may well work best in that context.

theSpace @ Surgeons Hall, until 12 Aug.
tw rating 2/5 | [Alan Cranston]