If you would like to get in touch with the five-year-old child lurking beneath your adult exterior, you may care to introduce it to its Australian peers now performing in the Tivoli. Alternatively, you may prefer to give it a clip on the ear and return it to the lock-up in your subconscious. It's really your call.
The down-under Company B, here last year with the wonderful Cloudstreet, bring something quite different with The Small Poppies. It is set in the first day in big school, and six actors play the mixed tots and a few grown-ups - parents and teachers. There is no central storyline; just slice-of-junior-life incidents and relationships.
The actors are very good, even if their material lends itself more to pastiche than reality. There are tears in parting with parents, amusing kiddy games, a bully and his victim, his nemesis, a typical accident involving the toilet, a boy's imaginary dog and lots more. A few adult concerns are hinted at, but not allowed to intrude.
Geoffrey Rush, internationally known for his Oscar-winning performance in the film Shine, is the best thing in it. He resembles the great Stan Laurel in appearance and instinctive comic art, and everything he does and says here triggers laughter. There are no weak links in the cast, but he still contrives to, yes, shine.
The show has an undoubted feel-good quality, probably best for parents and the very young. But, again, it's your call.
Runs to October 14th, Monday to Thursday, 6.30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m., matinees on Saturday 7th and 14th at 2 p.m. and on Wednesday 11th at 11 a.m.
