Slapdash Galaxy @ Underbelly

Achtem's trademark growl in the dark heralds his arrival. Using a far looser structure than Swamp Juice and a DIY ethos akin to 80s kids show Button Moon and early Mighty Boosh, props are found objects (balloons, ropes, toy soldiers and of course audience members) as well as Achtem's own puppets; there is an almost outsider art quality to his world within a world. The story concerns Sam and Junior, two brothers. Older brother Sam is the archetypal patronising pain in the ass, Junior, naive and vulnerable and cannot wait to get away from him. They journey to the moon (here represented by a massive pink balloon) encountering obstacles – "monsters, pirates... all kindsa scary things,'' as Achtem promises in an eerie whisper. All of the bubbles, undulating smoke rings sent out to destroy enemies, dogs and a giant bulbous chef are a mere distraction from the fact that this is really a rather beautiful, layered fable on familial trust and self-belief, evocative of childlike wonder. Adults in the audience are every bit as excited as their offspring.

The slightly twisted uncle persona is the true star, though. "I'm taking some liberties here,'' he announces with a cackle at one stage. Sure are, Mr Achtem, but it's all part of your endless, bewildering charm.