Henrik Ibsen’s 1894 play Little Eyolf is rarely performed, at least outside his Norwegian homeland. Perhaps that’s partly due to the old maxim about never working with animals or children. The brief appearance of a dog is easily cut from this co-production by Theatre Works, Heart String and Burning House – one of numerous script tweaks, most of which are made to let it sit more comfortably in a contemporary setting.

Little Eyolf, Theatre Works/Heart String/Burning House, 2022. Photo © Jack Dixon-Gunn

The title role is crucial, however, as nine-year-old Eyolf makes a significant contribution to the dialogue early on. So the fact that this play has even been attempted, and a child actor with the requisite talent cast, make this production directed by Robert Johnson a remarkable achievement. It’s a pity, then, that it seems a little short on rehearsal.

A taut 85-minute drama, Little Eyolf explores the troubled relationship between Alfred, his neglected wife Rita and his half-sister Asta. Her emotional entanglement with Alfred and his son, Eyolf, prompts Asta to gently resist the advances of a suitor, Borgheim. Alfred has just returned from a solitary period in...