Antarctica is a magical world of snow and ice brought to life in the Bristol Old Vic studio by Kent’s Little Bulb Theatre.

Sir Peregrine Falcon, played by director Alex Scott, steps onto the stage straight from a world of olden-time explorers such Robert Falcon Scott who reached the land himself in 1912.

Our Falcon is off to discover the never-sighted owl-a-bear which has the head and wings of an owl and the body of a bear.

The performance is beautifully welcoming to children of all ages, from newborn to school-age.

Two-year-old hecklers are treated with much affection and when thousands of bubbles attract some small stage invaders, attendants gently encourage the enthusiastic youngsters to sit back down.

Two penguins fall in love, two seals battle it out and we’re all on the look-out for the owl-a-bear. There is plenty of interaction for the little ones and also much awe and delight.

There is puppetry and high-energy ensemble storytelling alongside beautiful imagery, with a live soundtrack of gypsy jazz, French chanson and opera are played on a variety of instruments including from a violin bow on the edge of a xylophone.

The three performers, Clare Beresford, Dominic Conway and Scott, pull off one of the quietest children’s shows ever.

Scattered silver foil pieces create the flash of a camera and padded tummies plus black moustaches bring a seal to life. The effects may be simple but charm and awe are as magical as nature.

Review by Joanna Papageorgiou

Antarctica is at the Bristol Old Vic Studio until January 4. Catch an adult-only performance on December 14. For more information and tickets, visit www.bristololdvic.org.uk/antarctica.html.

Photos by Paul Blakemore