Less youthful audience members make a beeline for the deckchairs as grey-coated “workers” stroll about, distributing a range of strange objects for peeping into or listening to. Those who didn’t take the lolly offered on entry are tempted by a plate of toothpicked hors d’oeuvres.

It’s a sensory warm-up for Man Covets Bird, a charming production which skillfully integrates live music, voice, physical theatre and projected animation to create a miniature world within the Space Theatre.

Slingsby, Adelaide’s internationally recognised, award-winning theatre company creates works which “acknowledge the pain that is often a feature of human experience”.

Man Covets Bird is Slingsby’s third production (following The Tragical Life of Cheeseboy and Wolf) from the creative team of artistic director Andy Packer, writer Finegan Kruckemeyer, composer Quentin Grant and designer Geoff Cobham. They’ve got the formula just right, with elegant, humorous writing enhanced by set design and direction that immerses the audience in the action from the beginning to the final scene.

In addition to featuring in the 2010 Adelaide Festival, Man Covets Bird is also a part of the Adelaide Festival Centre's inSPACE Program.

A “nearly-man” (the immensely talented Nathan O’Keefe) grows up overnight and wakes to discover everything has changed. As he attempts to make a new life in a relentless, impersonal city, he finds security and companionship with a young bird. The relationship frees them both, and helps others to find connection within their previously indifferent society.

Birdsong lifts this soaring tale of yearning, courage and the importance of finding one’s own place amid the crowd. Cleverly constructed and absolutely delightful.

At Space Theatre until March 7.