Puppetry has become a frequently used tool in storytelling over the last two decades. That’s not to say it wasn’t popular at other periods in theatrical history, but right now we seem to have an abundance of stories that lend themselves to the art form. The Vanishing Elephant is a perfect example of how these tools can allow an audience to step straight into the world that’s been created and grasp a tangible element, like a true-to-size elephant. With lush and vibrant lighting, outstanding puppet handling, sumptuous music and a close-knit cast, this production was oozing with love.

The story, which takes inspiration from an illusion by the great Harry Houdini, follows the life of Janu the elephant and her young handler Opu. We meet Janu as a young calf, befriending the orphaned Opu and becoming an inseparable pair, until one evening when Janu is sold to an American circus troupe. As the story unfolds, we are plunged into the world of the circus, but never too far from the Indian roots of Janu’s past.

Writer Charles Way has created a script full of beautiful storytelling. An audience of varying ages arrived at the Oxford Playhouse and every one of them was enthralled from the off. The script, reminiscent of critically acclaimed shows such as Life of Pi, draws the audience into Janu and Opu’s world with simple but effective language that melds traditional styles of Indian and Irish story telling with modern day.

With a simple premise, this shows success hinged on the world-creating skills of set and costume designer Sabine Dargent, combined with the lighting design talent of Simon Bond. A warm wash of purples and greens from the lighting design set the scene of Janu’s jungle home, while setting up for the decadence and thrill of the circus. We meet the ensemble cast in versions of grey overalls, a nod to the elephant family Janu was taken from. While costumes stayed minimal, with only a hat or scarf to denote character changes, the overall effect was one of cohesion and unity.

The puppets in The Vanishing Elephant were spectacular. Huge scale shows like The Lion King and War Horse spring to mind when you think of puppetry, but I believe this show should be top of people’s lists. The detail put into growing and aging the Janu puppet throughout was truly a work of art. The puppeteers worked tirelessly to bring the elephant and tiger to life with not only the handling of the puppets but the sound effects they added. You were easily fooled into believing these creatures were real.

Incorporating contemporary dance with traditional Indian stylisation was all thanks to choreographer Jayachandran Palazhy. I often see dance used as a tool to move set pieces or as filler pieces but these sequences were integrated, smoothly and beautiful.

I urge you to book for The Vanishing Elephant, a story of love and hope for all ages.