There is what looks like a very large piece of ventilation pipe on the stage that ends in box at the centre, open on the audience side and from which most of the play is performed. Occasionally images of dogs are projected onto the back wall of the box and you hear the Russian-speaking people he encounters along the way. But in keeping Ivan predominantly in the box the attention is focused on the story and how it is told.

Kaim plays Ivan with the sensibilities of a young child, searching for love and attention. You couldn't not believe that he was telling his own story. It is an enthralling performance, heart-warming and at times very moving.

This is going to be one of those small plays that sticks with me and so it gets five stars.

Ivan and the Dogs is on at the Soho Theatre until November 6. It's unallocated seating, so head down the front and have Ivan look you in the eye with such joy as he recounts when he was offered some chocolate to eat.

BW/RS 6DS

I've nicked this from the 6DS I did for Through A Glass Darkly but I can't help it if both plays have the same technical staff so here goes: Dan Jones, sound designer on Ivan also did the sound design for Criminal Justice which of course starred our own Ben Whishaw.

But as that feels like a bit of a cheat I've also found another link in Ellen McDougal, who directed Ivan, was staff director at the National and assisted director Bijan Sheibani on Our Class which had in it an actress called Amanda Hale who lists Bright Star on her CV. Phew.

Oh and happy birthday Mr W.