Slicker than Slick @ Tron Theatre, 16-20 Sep

Puppets and the story of a young boy. Sounds like children’s theatre, doesn’t it? Well, it isn’t. It’s the energetic and unique new production by VoxMotus, who brought us such innovative gems as How to Steal a Diamond.

Using plump little puppet bodies alongside human faces and hands, Slick looks like South Park jumped out of the television onto the stage. The likeness doesn’t stop there - Slick will have you simultaneously “awing” at the character’s adorableness, laughing out loud at the clever staging, and writhing at the disturbingly graphic gestures and cruelty of the characters. (This is not meant to put anyone off: If you love South Park, see this show. If you hate South Park, see this show.)

It is the story of Malcolm Biggar, a nine-year old boy living in a tenement outside of Glasgow, who must navigate through an array of grotesque characters in an attempt to save his unloving family. His adventure begins with the discovery of oil flowing through his toilet. The nonsensical deceit and murder spawned by greed for black gold begs the pondering perhaps this show is a metaphor for the irresponsible fumblings of the worldly powers that be, but Slick’s non-preachy and non-political upbeat pacing doesn’t allow ones attention to linger there for more than a moment.

The elements of this production come together seamlessly, from the inspired soundtrack to the ever-changing set, which echoes a magician’s black box. The acting is fantastic, with facial contortions and quick delivery ideal for dark comedy. The onstage talent, the quick writing and most of all, the surprising and sophisticated aesthetics makes Slick a surprising burst of mature fun.