Chichester Festival Youth triumphs again.

Michael Morpurgo’s storytelling and the dexterity of director, Dale Rooks, and her creative team provide a production of exquisite charm and theatrical invention.

Samuel Adamson’s adaption carries an anti-war message and a strong plea for wildlife conservation as it tells the journey of young Will, holidaying in Indonesia. He is carried off by a panicked beach elephant when a tsunami strikes.

During their struggle to survive they are befriended by orang-utans, stalked by a tiger and pursued by ruthless big game hunters who kill for profit. Skilful young puppeteers give the animals a naturalistic life while the ensemble plays a major part by creating jungle noises, an ocean and river.

This being a promenade production the woodlands of the Cass Sculpture Park make a perfect rainforest for the audience to journey through.

All praise to Alfie Scott as Will. He is on stage throughout, giving a most assured performance. From all the fine performances those of Alex Wilcox, Esme Cooper, and Tom Chown are worthy of special mention. As does Rufus Cameron, the chilling evil megalomaniac, Mr Anthony, guilty of deforestation, animal trapping and slaughter.

This is great theatre with elephant Oona stealing the show.

Four stars