Children’s show review: Superjohn, Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33), Edinburgh

GIVEN that it’s aimed at younger audiences more than adults, it’s acceptable that the tone of this play diverges drastically throughout.

Superjohn

Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33)

Star rating: * * *

It’s part bittersweet teen drama, part superhero action fantasy, part CBBC-style gang show, complete with dances and interaction.

It’s the former that resonates most strongly, with the tale of a young boy named John suffering from cancer and his sister Star, a potential donor for him, handled with sensitivity and in terms that won’t unnerve younger kids.

By translating what’s happening into a magical realist allegory where John is a superhero and Star is tasked with finding him in a fantasy netherworld and delivering some magic flowers to restore his superpowers, Titania Krimpas’s story mixes fun, adventure and camaraderie with the suggestion of adult problems blackening the edges of the world she’s created. It’s as perfectly weighted between light and dark as any good fairy tale.

Nadia Malik’s inventive visual design reinforces the fantastical element, Rachel Parish’s direction is well-weighted, and four strong performances create a play that inspires both thought and enjoyment.

• Until 27 August. Today, 11:25am.

• This show was given two stars in the print edition of today’s paper due to a production error. This has now been corrected.