My Life with the Dogs

NIE are the ensemble of mixed European nationalities whose blend of physical theatre combined with always letting the audience into their “special effects” secrets, and stories with big historical backgrounds, have produced spine-tingling theatrical magic.

Could they do it yet again? At first it seemed maybe not. True, they get off to a good start by offering the queue shots of vodka, and it's good vodka, too. Nor was there anything lacking in the audience being herded into their seats by an officious Moscow policeman with a megaphone.

And seeing the broad, knockabout comedy of four-year-old Ivan innocently living in the Russia of newly arrived consumerism surrounded by the old Russia of drunkenness and loud sex – his vodka-soaked mother and visiting “uncle” – was highly entertaining. It did lack subtlety though.

Then the first sign of change. Ivan wanders into the big wide snowy world and a chill descends as we realise that he has been spotted by a paedophile. Then the dogs arrive.

The play is inspired by the true story of a boy who did live among dogs. And here comes the true NIE magic, with our total belief that three actors in woolly hats are Moscow street dogs.

And totally believe is what we do. In spite of their walking on two legs and occasionally breaking into English, their whiffling, sniffing, howling, snarling and occasional barking makes you experience dogs and not people. As they welcome Ivan into their midst as an honorary dog there is a feeling of overwhelming peace, friendship and the warmth of family so missing at home.

It can't last, of course, and it's to the company's enormous credit that they don't milk the climactic moment – life simply goes on.

So yes, NIE have done it again with mood switches in an instant, some very funny comedy, beautiful use of music, particularly the extraordinary percussion instruments, and the best dogs you are ever likely to see on stage anywhere.

Go see and if you don't have your heart melted then I'm afraid there's no hope for you.