There is always a responsibility that accompanies bringing to life a novel blessed with a strong and opinionated fan-base, never more so than for the likes of Terry Pratchett’s successful Discworld novels. There are also added complications that come from dramatising an imaginative fantasy, as well as translating trademark Pratchett humour to the stage. Such are the challenges which Edinburgh University Theatre Company take on with aplomb.

The guards in question are the city watch of the bustling conurbation of Ankh-Morpork: a motley bunch, consisting of a petty thief, a cynical drunk, a plodding sergeant, an orang-utan and the newest recruit Carrot Ironfoundersson, who is just a little too naïve and eager. He couldn’t have come at a worse time: a plot is afoot to usurp the wily Patrician of the city by means of a large fire-breathing dragon.

The company overcomes the main barriers to bringing the Discworld into a ‘Roundworld’ setting via clever use of the famed Pratchett footnote, making it possible to halt the proceedings to provide explanations. The impression of the dragon is created with sound effects of thumping leathery wings, whose Jaws-like intensity builds up genuine suspense in the auditorium.

The cast do their best to recreate the characters as they appear in print: Stephen Graham is a treat as the haughty and imposing Lord Vetinari as he glares around the stage, as is Freya Slipper as hoity-toity Sybil Ramkin, kitted out in tweed and Wellingtons.

One of the disappointments of the production is that it fails to convey some of the more satirical, clever aspects of the novel, which are part of the Discworld series’ wild appeal. Much of the action is instead rendered purely as comedic slapstick. There is also a penchant for the walk-on parts to utilise 'ned-speak' (“Innit?”) which becomes rather grating.

Niggles aside, this is a solid production that does its best to bring alive a complex world and sate the pernickety fans—this reviewer included—who leave more than satisfied that no serious mauling of their Discworld has occurred.