"I'd heard there was this extraordinary company called Velo who did imaginative work for young children," says Brighton Festival's Pippa Smith. "I went across to see them in Rouen and was completely blown away."

We're forbidden from divulging how this production starts suffice to say, children and adults alike will feel they are embarking on a magical adventure of Narnian proportions.

But we can tell you this simple children's show is proving one of the hottest tickets of the Festival.

Formed in Angers in 1981, Velo is one of France's most innovative theatre companies, specialising in work which is both intimate and inspiring.

Told here in English, There Is A Rabbit In The Moon is performed by celebrated French actor Charlot Lemoine, a charming man in a battered top hat who uses everyday objects and the poetry of imagination to lead the audience into a twilight world of humour and enchantment.

One dark night, far, far away, Thomas Snout was born. Ever since, he has collected nights, capturing them with his bare hands, which is not an easy task.

It is also dangerous, as fears live in the night like fish live in the sea. Over the years he has collected 2,845 nights, big and little, with or without moonlight, starred or starless.

"Charlot devised the show and makes all the little models himself," says Smith. "He's just one of those extraordinarily charismatic performers. You're putty in his hands."

11am and 4.30pm today, times vary, £7, 01273 709709