Full disclosure: I am obsessed with dogs. So when I met some fellow actors after a performance last year and they described their upcoming Fringe show about a dog who rode the rails, I counted down the days until I could merge my loves of theatre and our best friends. Presented by Artbeat, is a charming and fascinating tale of a cheeky shaggy Koolie who befriended train drivers during the booming 1800s, becoming a celebrity as tales of his adventures spread along the Bush Telegraph from Peterborough to Broken Hill and beyond. A true nomad, ‘Bob the Drivers’ Dog,’ as he was affectionately known was an original trainspotter, and rather than shooing away the awkward ball of love, the drivers adopted him, guiding his journey for 10 years. The story is so rich and multi-layered that revealing too much would diminish the finely crafted surprises the creators deliver.

Expertly executed by a trio of highly skilled and acclaimed performers, Bob is bought to life through  the masterful work of experienced puppeteer Uma Preston, whose elegant work left the audience believing that Bob was alive before our eyes. The tale of Bob is told through enchanting narration led by Keith Preston, whose work as a singer/songwriter and comedian keeps the enthralling narrative chugging along. Rounding out the talented trio is the utterly delightful Deborah Baldassi, whose co-narration and glorious vocals, intertwined with some perfectly mixed keyboard melodies created a truly compelling show.

The tale is enchanting enough, but the musical interludes were thankfully an absolute joy. It is often a risk to employ music in a show, yet thankfully Keith’s guitar and Bodhran interludes added a sense of nostalgia and warmth, it felt as if the audience were transported through time, while somehow also feeling as if we were nestled in a cosy bar today. Despite the small venue, the gorgeous keyboard work by Deborah was fertile imaginative soil as the audience fell in love with Bob.

The tale is the perfect balm for the mad world. By the show’s end, Uma’s mastery had me in tears as I forgot Bob was a puppet and the real Bob was long gone. However, thanks to 3 incredibly generous performers, Bob the Railway Dog will live long in the hearts of those who are touched by his endless spirit of adventure.