One-man theatre company Craig Johnson introduced his Curious Creature’s Wildlife Park, with a curious tale of being left in charge for the day by a disappearing uncle.

With a range of puppets, sound effects and a lot of creativity, he produced a whole range of creatures, a story of unfolding chaos behind the scenes and a serious message about conservation.

The action all occurs at the entrance to the park from which an elephant’s trunk skirts water on the audience. Craig then introduces consecutive wildlife specialists, including puppet Billy Bob Jefferson, a reptile expert whose head becomes trapped in an alligator’s mouth.

Craig then becomes Gilbert the mini-beast expert who acts out a scene of flea stand-up comedy before a section on legendary creatures including the Beast of Bodmin.

There was a lot going on, maybe a little too much at times, for a solo show, so imagination and concentration were required of the young audience. However, Craig’s palpable enthusiasm and comical delivery pulled it off.

Craig, who runs Squashbox Theatre Company, innovatively informed children of the need to protect animals. Wallace, the orangutan told them: “We’re not so different you and I.  All creatures deserve respect”.

Playing the accordion, Craig ended the show with a shrewd self-penned song about evolution.