Alphonse by Wajdi Mouawad

Alphonse is a little boy with a huge imagination. An imagination so big, in fact, it takes him on a great adventure out of the city and into some impossible situations. In his adventures, Alphonse and his imaginary friend Pierre-Paul-René travel through jungles, do battle with monsters and out-smart wizards. The only problem is that he hasn't told his parents where he's going – and they're worried sick.

Alphonse is the highly creative brainchild of Oscar-nominated Canadian writer Wajdi Mouawad and brought to the Edinburgh stage by award-winning actor Alon Nashman. A huge success at the Toronto Fringe Festival, it's an exploration of adolescence – specifically the time during a child's life when the boundless imagination of playtime has to give way to the increasing responsibility of growing up. But it's also a nostalgic lament for childhood innocence and a celebration of storytelling and make-believe.

If there's a problem with Alphonse, it's that the age-group to whom it appeals is rather limited. It is too complex (and a little too sweary) to recommend for young children, yet too childish to be of too much interest to anyone over the age of 15. Further, it lacks the sense of humour or knowing self-awareness it needs to be fun for parents. There may well be a lot here for kids between the ages of 10 and 14, but not really for everyone else. Still, it's a very well put together production with a great big heart.