Lee Raven, Boy Thief is a much-loved children’s book here brought convincingly to life by the dynamic Pegasus 11-15 Drama Group. Part adapted and part devised by the company, this is a tale which explores poverty, child abuse, greed and exploitation and the power of storytelling to save and destroy us. Far from grim and laced with wry humour, this production sees some stars for the future make confident debuts.

In 2046, in an England partly underwater, Lee Raven (Jediah Young), teenage pickpocket and raconteur, slips up by nicking the wallet of London’s most famous property tycoon, oligarch and totally evil cow Romana (Mollie Peach). Trying to lay low he stumbles upon Magg’s book emporium, meeting the genial Mr Maggs (Princelord Adjiri) and his spiky adopted daughter Janaki (Connie Finch). Lee helps himself to the contents of Magg’s safe and makes off with the Book of Nebo, a prized ancient text which Romana wants to get her hands on so she can succeed as her alter ego – novelist Nigella Lurch. Soon he is on the run, hiding in the sewers, trying to outwit the police, Romano’s henchmen (the very funny comedy duo of Anna Brolly and Nellie Floyd) and his own Dad; Janaki is his only friend, or so he thinks.

Hats off to the cast for devising an intricate, serious and funny story. Aided by their director, who also adapted the book, they have succeeded in creating a very entertaining theatrical production. It is an ensemble piece with many actors playing several parts, or called upon to create extremes in one character. Special mention must go to Jediah Young as Lee, and Barnaby Evans showing extraordinary range both as Lee’s Dad and an engaging story teller. Mollie Peach creates a truly over-the-top monster, and Chloe Akuma-Agbai and Connie Finch are confident as the Book and Janaki. The highlight of the production for me were the five story tellers who were disciplined physical performers, perfectly co-ordinated as they brought the Book of Nebo to life, re-telling myths and fairy stories from around the world.

The set, by Nomi Everall, is almost a character in its own right, called upon to provide many locations (underground and overground) in London, Paris and Norfolk. The steampunk feel to the locations and costumes adds another layer to an already complex story. Riveting although all the individual elements of the play are, the text would benefit from some pruning to allow the story to zip along more freely. This was the first night and consequently the production felt a little overlong as the cast got used to being on stage in front of an audience. Occasional lines were lost from rushed delivery and a couple of actors were a little quiet, but with a live performance under their belts confidence will grow.