BIRMINGHAM Stage Company’s production of Why The Whales Came, by Michael Morpurgo, is adapted for the stage and directed by Greg Banks.

Set on the idillic Isles of Scilly just before the First World War, school friends Gracie and Daniel play on the beach but have been warned to keep away from the mysterious Birdman, because “you’ve only got to touch him and you’ll catch madness”.

They must also steer clear of Sampson, an uninhabited island reputed to curse anyone who steps on its shores.

Despite this, the pair do befriend the Birdman and row out to the island of Sampson.

When Gracie’s father is listed as missing in action, it appears that the curse might be true.

It’s only at the end of this moral tale when the whales come that the title becomes clear and the healing can begin.

Eliza Caitlin Parkes gives Gracie a charming innocence with Alison Fitzjohn impressively alternating two characters. Chris Llewellyn’s performance of the eccentric deaf Birdman with his husky voice and a disabled leg is truly inspiring. This story fairly races along with actors also playing seagulls, the fog, the sea, villagers and the carvings in the Birdman’s cottage.

The cello accompaniment makes this enchanting. The show is aimed at young children, but this grandmother enjoyed every second.

Helen Brown