I managed to win tickets to see this touring production from
the Globe Theatre and Bristol Old Vic at the gorgeous Buxton Opera House. What
a piece of luck that turned out to be because this production was truly
special, totally memorable and I’m so thankful that I got a chance to
experience it.
Witten by Joel Hopwood, this production is directed by Emma
Rice, the outgoing Artistic Director of the Globe Theatre and formerly of the
wonderful Kneehigh Theatre. It certainly has the feel of some of the Kneehigh productions
that I have seen as it magically blends, music, puppetry and enthralling
storytelling. Whilst the tales it tells are traditional, they bring modern relevance
and a sometimes dark edge to the narrative and the talented cast deliver the
complex piece deftly, cleverly balancing the various moods.
The main ‘stories’ covered are Thumbelina, the Emperor’s New
Clothes, and the Princess and the Pea, all held together by the Match Girl paying
for each tale told by the strike of a match and then observing and sometimes
being part of the ensuing tales. Edie Edmundon’s puppetry of the Matchgirl is
totally mesmerising and you invest in her character fully, making her final
fate even more heartbreaking.
Whilst there is plenty of comedy, most overt in the Emperor’s
New Clothes which is an absolute hoot, darker themes are referenced throughout
of poverty and discrimination, war and abuse, which could have caused upset for
the youngest of audience members, although it was subtly done so perhaps more
likely to be go over really little one’s heads. For anyone over say 8 it may
provoke conversations but it’s well balanced and for the older audience members
these darker overtones really draw you in and are very moving.
The mutli-disciplined cast are fantastically talented and
work together so well in their various roles. My particular favourites were Niall
Ashdown with his incredible comic timing and engaging way with the audience,
and Katy Owen who was such a versatile performer. But the whole cast, and on
stage musicians really were superb.
The design is beautiful. A cleverly adaptable set with
almost magical transformations and reflects both the worlds of the tales being
told and the modern day contrasts between those who have, and those who can
only look on and dream. The final scenes were incredibly poignant and moving and
I’m not ashamed to say I did have a bit of a blub at the end.
Beautiful storytelling, magically told. In turns thought
provoking and fun. Such a fantastic production and highly recommended.
No comments:
Post a Comment