If you grew up studying drama in the UK, you will well know Metamorphosis. A surreal tale, it was always a good catalyst for teenage kids to develop their drama devising talents. And we have all heard of Kafka; but here is the crux, I knew little else of him apart from his name and writing of this story.

A juxtaposition of Kafka’s life versus his story, we dip in and out of the two, seeing similarities and just how much he threw himself into his writing. What could be a deep and troubling tale, is somehow lightened and emotive in the way musicals are by turning it into one. There are times of deep ballads and almost standing ovation worthy crescendos, but then there is also a song noting “F*** my life”. There is the perfect balance of comedy and deep feelings.

Throw in some puppetry and we see a popular trend of musicals meeting puppetry since Avenue Q. This isn’t the old children’s puppetry show and something about that innocence when the puppet is shouting obscenities is silly but also well done.

The singing is brilliant. Un-faltered and reverberating in this enclosed space, it hits deep and almost is too much for such a small room (in a good way). The performers are every ounce professional, making eye contact, engaging with us either indirectly or directly and fantastic at picking up on unplanned engagement. They bounce off one another without a foot wrong and it is not only entertaining but fun.

Kafka’s Metamorphosis: The Musical! With Puppets! is yet another new way to take on the well know story, bringing humour and elements of heartbreak while easily jumping and perfecting different unlikely theatrical elements. And for those like me who knew little of Kafka, it is entirely a learning experience of his life.