We live by stories. A truth not contradicted by science, but nowadays we are uneasy because stories can also be false, lying, dangerous. Alphonse is a boy who tells beautiful stories which no-one – perhaps including himself – knows whether to believe. This top-quality, layered and ambiguous play by Wajdi Mouawad enables an exceptional performance by Gabe Maharjan which constantly invites questions. Is it only children who can inhabit stories? Don’t adults too, even if unaware of it? Does it give comfort that the twinkling stars are born from cosmic dust and die a cold death after billions of years? The genius of this play is that you scarcely notice its gentle but profound probing of the life of the imagination.

Pleasance Courtyard, until 28 Aug.
tw rating 5/5 | [Alan Cranston]