Five mind-boggling misfits provided zany entertainment for youngsters – and adults – in The Marvellous Imaginary Menagerie as Les Enfants Terribles immersed us in the weird and wonderful world of a crazy circus.

The eccentric Dr Longitude, captured perfectly by Maxwell Tyler, has travelled the globe in search of odd creatures to fill his travelling menagerie. They include ten-tentacled octopodoi and a mythical three legged beast.

Longitude and his odd helpers – delightfully portrayed by Alice Bounce, Lydia Hourihan, Daniel King and Owen Jenkins - delivered silly remarks, weird tales, slapstick, songs, dances and puppetry.

They even persuaded me to join them on stage to play Dr Longitude's father in a ridiculously funny sketch starting with his conception.

Strong direction by Emma Earle, Oliver Lansley and James Seager ensured there was a fast pace throughout.

Yet this open air Edinburgh Festival success lost some of its spontaneity in the theatre, with the wordy script by Lansley and Anthony Spargo not always making the most of potentially hilarious situations they created.

Some of the diction could have been clearer, but the cast showed great enthusiasm and imagination.

We were treated to a synchronised solo male swimmer and frog-licking female in a fun-packed hour.

* The Marvellous Imaginary Menagerie is at Connaught Theatre, Worthing until Saturday, October 31. Tickets from 01903 206206.

Three stars