The quiet intrigue with which the young audience at Norwich Puppet Theatre greeted a simple wooden Thumbelina, just goes to show that you don't need fancy effects to hold our cool, computer-literate, 21st-century kids.

By MIRANDA YATES

The quiet intrigue with which the young audience at Norwich Puppet Theatre greeted a simple wooden Thumbelina, just goes to show that you don't need fancy effects to hold our cool, computer-literate, 21st-century kids.

What you do need is the leap-frogging imagination and vocal talents offered by Rene Baker at this casually inventive show.

A simple rustic set of gardening tools, baskets and buckets is cunningly applied to create the enchanting scenery for Thumbelina's outdoor adventures. A rustling of old blankets becomes a wild river, basket lids transform into lily pads that double as miniature rafts. Silk wings sewn round a bamboo stick create the perfect dragonfly with which to make an escape.

Rene's versatile vocal range is the power behind this gently compelling production.

This Thumbelina is a feistier and more resourceful heroine than Hans Christian Anderson would have her.

Living on her tiny wits, she manages to evade all manner of unsuitable beasts who would claim her hand, before settling for nothing less than a royal wedding. Good for her. With the delightful Miss Mouse making herself available for ear-scratching and tickles after the show, Thumbelina is destined to win small hearts until the end of its run of August 31.