Storytelling is at the core of the Adelaide Fringe. Whether it is through art, dance, comedy, theatre or music, every performer has a story to tell, and there really is something for everyone to enjoy. In the intimate Lark at Gluttony, Artbeat have returned to Adelaide with their true (tall) tale of a unique canine and his relationship with railway history.

It’s a fun little story, full of Aussie characters, local history and musical interludes to mix it up a bit. The show is led and narrated by Keith Preston, who acts out various railway staff and locals, as well as filling in on guitar. Preston is supported by Deborah Baldassi as the rest of the characters in each town, also tickling the keys every now and then to support the musical moments. Both Preston and Baldassi are enthusiastic and clearly know this story well.

But it’s really all about Bob. A travelling dog who developed both a reputation and community on the South Australian railway lines in the late 1800s. This central character is brought to life through a scruffy puppet, handled by Uma Preston with a focus on the carefree and cheeky nature of the titular character. Many of the audience were enraptured by Bob and the puppeteering connected well.

As with a lot of country tales, this production is a little rough around the edges with some clunky musical notes, two-dimensional characterisations and a collection of props that definitely have a home-made vibe. But the heart of the story and the enthusiasm of the presenters in this family-friendly story is a great fringe outing for grandparents and their grandchildren, or young families. Unfortunately, as with many venues at Gluttony the little Lark venue is overwhelmed by sound from the next door rock concert, but the larger than life performances work well to compensate and entertain.