Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

Cast: Philip Bosworth, Angela Clerkin, Jaquetta May, Christine Roe, Gwyneth Strong, Gordon Warnecke.

Taken from conversations held with 72 children aged 6 – 11 and from a diverse range of social and cultural backgrounds, Monkey Bars is an intriguing look on life that offers new light through old windows as to how the modern world works.

Chris Goode’s script is beautifully written and the adult cast in a wide range of roles, must feel as though they are themselves kids left to run riot through Hamley’s and the biggest Haribo factory in the world.

The set – a plethora of lighted cubes – and a plethora of props ranging from wobbling jellies to plastic bubble guns along with the intimate space, add to the insular feel of each child’s view as they are posed questions covering war, divorce, play, illness and all points in between.

Yet don’t be fooled into thinking Monkey Bars is any way downbeat. Yes, there is poignancy but what truly shines is the honesty, hope, joy and indomitable spirit of those being quizzed.

An absorbing, highly evocative and deeply thought provoking piece, Monkey Bars not only demonstrates that the future is in pretty safe hands but also that, as adults, we perhaps should listen more closely to those in whose future we have placed our trust.

Chris High