The Magnificent Tale of Emily Law and Arturo the Waterboy, at the Capitol Theatre, is the first play presented by the Library Theatre Company away from their old home. I It is beautifully scripted by Liz Postlethwaite, the company’s Community and Education Director with the help of 15-18-year-olds who helped to devise the plot. She also directs it.

The young people split into workshops to study Victorian life at locations in and around Manchester.

This gave them the idea for a tale about a travelling freak show, Odditopia, featuring Arturo, a boy who can hold his breath so well that he is kept permanently on display in a tank.

When Emily Law sees him, they fall in love but her attempts to rescue him are continually barred by Professor Phobetor who owns the show.

Candice Clarke’s Emily Law is beautifully spoken and creates a character who is gentle and kind despite having worked long hours in a factory and looking after an ungrateful father (Tom Joyce) Tolu Sholanke, who plays Arturo without speaking, manages an excellent performance as a normal boy who is forced into captivity just because of the way he breathes, Professor Phobetor (Luke Johnson) appears kind, but is in reality imprisoning his freaks who think of him as a rather strict father. I am impressed with Luke’s stage presence.

Viola, his assistant, brought up in an attic and who mistakenly thinks she has found freedom, is played movingly by Charlie Delfinis.

The 14-strong cast throw themselves into the twists and turns of this innovative play and, as well as the principal characters we are introduced to Jesse and Davey, the Siamese twins (Matthew Britten And Matthew Jamieson), and Hercules who can lift a man on one finger (a puny Philip Maddison).

This cleverly contrived and well acted play is enhanced by extracts from Manchester band, Elbow, ripples in Arturo’s tank by lighting designer Tom Dexter Scott, and clear flashbacks.

The play should be performed by other companies. It would make a lovely children’s Christmas show.

At the Capitol Theatre, Manchester Metropolitan University until August 7. The Library Theatre Box Office is 0161 236 7110 or Quay tickets 0843 208 0550. Star Rating * * * *