An evening in the company of puppets would not have been my first choice, but then I had not visited the Little Angel before.
This estimable venue, in turn, had never previously collaborated with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Yet, what a fruitful partnership this seemingly unlikely combination has produced.
After the disappointment of its recent New Work Festival, the RSC has come up trumps with Gregory Doran's adaptation of Shakespeare's early mythological-erotic poem.
It has also unearthed a new star in the puppet Venus, a sultry young foothigh temptress with a low-cut chiffon dress, artfully dishevelled tresses and a tendency to stamp her padded silken foot with impetuosity. She should be auditioned forthwith for Juliet or Ophelia.
Doran, who also directs, took as his initial inspiration the world of Japanese Bunraku puppets. Working with director of puppetry Steve Tiplady, he has chosen not only these traditional table top puppets, but also a host of specially crafted marionettes, rod and shadow figures.
Together they present the tale of the demandingly lovelorn goddess ("She's Love, she loves, and yet she is not loved") and the petulant youth who disastrously chooses boar-hunting over romance.
As actor Michael Pennington, seated to the right of the tiny stage, mellifluously narrates the poem and guitarist Steve Russell adds accompaniment, a team of five blackclad puppeteers manipulate the models with incredible dexterity and exquisite precision.
It is not customary to witness an audience of adults - the work is not recommended for anyone under 14 - remain open-mouthed with wonder, but this they did when the lovers' long-postponed kiss caused Venus and Adonis to float up into the air.
There are similar moments of marvel when the goddess arrives in her seashell of a chariot drawn by silver doves, and when Adonis's magnificent jointed horse canters down the central aisle in pursuit of a fine filly. This passageway is also used by the fearsome beast of a bloody jowled boar, courtesy of whom Adonis meets his grisly end.
All credit to the RSC for such a surprising and successful piece of programming.
Until 6 Nov, then transfers to The Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon. Information: 0870 609 1110.
