REVIEW: Tiny Planet, Half a String, EdFringe 2026 ★★★★

Alma has three remaining deliveries to make for her bakery business, and the last one is the most important. Armed with an overdue wedding cake, Alma finds herself stranded in space on an unknown tiny planet. What first appears to be bare, devoid of life, slowly starts showing signs of growth, with roots sprouting up and succulents wriggling into the confines of Alma’s broken engine.

Half a String played a blinder last year with their show Breathe, and whilst their style remains joyously the same, Tiny Planet has a different energy that suits the company down to the ground. Tiny Planet holds a darker tone, leaning more into the fearful expanse of outer space, and embracing the unknown dangers that emerge from the darkness.

For the second year in a row, I am bowled over by Darcey O’Rourke’s vocal ability. Just as Alma soars around her newfound planet, O’Rourke’s voice does the same. With the layering of otherworldly chords and instrumental interjections, the soundtrack frequently feels worlds bigger than the Pleasance’s King Dome.

There is copious amounts to praise in Tiny Planet: the interweaving of mesmerising technical elements pulling DnB tracks, space tortoises, and cardboard cars all into a tiny world of its own. Half a String have such a strong sense of identity that it is impossible to find fault with any aspect of their creative output.

Peter Morton, Emily Essery, and Darcey O’Rourke treat each other with a level of care that is rarely seen onstage. They portray the purest version of the ensemble, waiting patiently for the other to be ready, and delighting in each others’ performances. It’s always a wonder when a cast has just as much fun as those sitting in the audience.

With just one screen set to stage right projecting the smaller aspects of Half a String’s puppetry, the sightlines are tricky at times. What’s more, the age guideline of 5+ was not entirely adhered to, and the fidgety, sometimes teary, often whiney younger patrons did distract.

Tiny Planet will be unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, yet it will also remind you of coming home, of finding your place, and how it feels launching yourself into the unknown. We all have our tiny planets, just waiting out there in the ether, waiting for us to claim them as our own.

Recommended Drink: A Moon-tini.

You can catch Tiny Planet at Pleasance Dome until August 23rd at 12:25 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.