The underwater landscape is beautifully captured, in particular the Finding Nemo-styled creatures whose spectacular costumes never cease to dazzle. The narrative’s anti-bullying message is conveyed in a non-patronsing, dramatic way.

There are harrowing moments such as Crabbit being attacked with shadow pliers and a hammer, but the audience of five to eight year olds are kept on the edge of their seats. Everything turns out all right in the end, but this show is not afraid of depicting the struggle to get there.

The Scotsman

A multicoloured sugar rush of a show where song and dance numbers, shadow puppets and glittery, neon sets create the underwater world that Crabbit causes havoc in. Hermie must learn to stand up to his cruel cousin, and gets pep-talks from his friend, Michelle the Scallop. Stella the Starfish steels the limelight with her tap dancing, star jumping dance moves and camp gossipy ways. Carrying a nice message about being brave in the face of confidence-sapping playground demons, this energetic show, with a great panto-style baddie, also throws in cheeky asides for the parents.

List

This synth-filled extravaganza had enough spangled seashells to shake a stick of rock at: the story of three kindle crustaceans united to change the bully Crabbit was completed with a love story and a smooch. Clever costumes, annoyingly catchy choruses and an impressive lack of gargling for songs sung under the sea are reasons to dip your toe into this one.

Three Weeks