It's lovely to see a smaller venue branching out with such an imaginative festive treat. Simon Reade, formerly the artistic director of the Bristol Old Vic, mounts his own adaptation of Philip Pullman’s 2004 children’s book using five actors, recycled props and a whole field-full of charm.

Scarecrow, a chap “of enterprise and talent”, comes to life in a thunderstorm and hooks up with young Jack. Together they set off on a series of picaresque peregrinations, tilting at the windmills of environmental destruction as they go. They’re pursued by representatives of the malevolent Buffaloni Corporation which, Quantum of Solace style, is mucking about with the water supply.

Although we remain unclear about why they’re fleeing, it doesn’t matter hugely as Andrew Pepper’s mercurial, romantic Scarecrow, with his angular, animated face, is a winner whatever he’s doing. Full of grand gestures and even grander pronouncements, he keeps us laughing thorough the tumble of scenes. Appealing, too, is Chris Larner’s hummable original music, far superior to the bland ballads in other comparable shows.

The supporting cast work hard to carve out individual traits for their characters, even if Finn Hanlon struggles to turn his bland Jack into this narrative’s Sancho Panza. A
low-budget, large-hearted pleasure.
Until 10 January (020 7407 0234, www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk).