For a theatre group as talented as the Wharf Youth Theatre, ‘Just So’, the musical adaptation of the famous Rudyard Kipling stories is an ideal choice. A wise decision then by director Jemma Barnes.

The show, like the stories, firstly provides quirky answers to questions such as how the Elephant got its trunk, while simultaneously suggesting that ultimately everybody is the same. An apt moral for a youth musical in modern society.

In a unique idea, the actors, all aged between nine and 18, were seated around the stage, and performances were of a very high standard. The Eldest Magician (Ashley Holman), the Kolokolo Bird (Daisy Combe) and the Rhino (Emily Tucker) were all expertly portrayed.

Other notable performances included Lizzie Lomax and Jess Foord as the Jaguar and Leopard; Jess Branson and Lauren Harwood as Giraffe and Zebra; and Eleanor Tew as the bad natured and reclusive crab Pau Amma. Her tiny frame produced a voice much bigger than seemed possible from one so small.

Special mention must go to The Parsee Man (Ben Wilkinson) and his comedy partner the Cooking Stove (Harvey Schorah) who brought out the best in the wonderfully logophilic script.

The action was also subtly supported by pianist Nick Rose.