“The show was so captivating that no one wanted to miss a moment – I don’t think I have ever witnessed such a quiet room of small children!”
What do you get when you combine live saxophone and accordion with catchy songs AND an extremely impressive array of props? The answer – a production that brings such joy to children and adults alike.
Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler’s beloved characters such as Tiddler The Fish, Monkey and of course The Smartest Giant all have their moment in this weird and wonderful display of artistic excellence.
The music and lyrics play a key role, with Benji Bowers (2 times Olivier Award nominee and Winner of Global independent film awards for Best original soundtrack for Weekend Retreat) at the helm.
Combining jazz rhythms, three part vocal harmony and various instrumental interludes, the audience feel as though this is part theatre show and part concert. It is ideal for parents who want to introduce their children to live music at an early age, as it isn’t too intrusive but fits perfectly into the story lines.
I loved how the costumes were wacky and yet even they had some significance to the story, when their stripy socks represented the characters of the caterpillars.
The set was made up of various ladders, crates and baskets, perfect for hiding objects and characters. This gave the actors plenty of space to improvise and come up with new ideas, should the opportunity arise.
The quality of acting and performing was astounding, as a trio of trained actors/musicians (Leonie Spilsbury, Lauren Silver and Brian Hargreaves), they shared character roles between them and were often juggling a prop, instrument and character all at once.
You might expect disruptions from such a young audience, however the show was so captivating that no one wanted to miss a moment – I don’t think I have ever witnessed such a quiet room of small children!
Reviewed by Stephanie Legg
Photography by Robin Savage
TIDDLER & OTHER TERRIFIC TALES
is at the Leicester Square Theatre until 3rd September
Nuffield Southampton Theatres, Curve and Lyric Hammersmith have announced that, following a successful UK tour, their production of Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox will return for a second run at Lyric Hammersmith this summer. The production, adapted for the stage by Sam Holcroft, directed by Maria Aberg with original music by Arthur Darvill, runs at the Lyric Hammersmith from 26 July to 20 August, after it completes its national tour.
Fantastic Mr Fox at Nuffield Southampton Theatres. Jade Croot (Kit), Greg Barnett (Mr Fox) and Lillie Flynn (Mrs Fox). Photo by Manuel Harlan
Director of Nuffield Southampton Theatres, Sam Hodges said;
“I am very pleased that our hit production of Fantastic Mr Fox is coming back to London, following the last sell-out run. This is a terrific adaptation of a special story and this return to the Lyric marks a well-deserved finale to a successful tour.”
In a joint statement Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said;
“We are thrilled that even more families and young people will be able to experience our successful co-production of Fantastic Mr Fox. Audiences across the country and internationally have all had a wonderful time watching this ‘fantastic’ Roald Dahl classic be brought to life live on stage.”
Artistic Director of Lyric Hammersmith, Sean Holmes, said;
“We are delighted to welcome back Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox after its sell-out success here at the Lyric earlier this year. A great treat for all the family this summer”
“You know as well as I do: no-one outfoxes a fox!”
Boggis, Bunce and Bean, three greedy, smelly, horrid farmers hate the cunning Mr Fox.
Mr Fox is smart, clever and rather fantastic, but he doesn’t realise how determined the farmers are to get revenge. Can he hatch a plan to save his family and friends? Can they outrun the diggers and outsmart the farmers, and can rabbit shut up long enough not to give the game away?
Fantastic Mr Fox at Nuffield Southampton Theatres. Greg Barnett (Mr-Fox). Photo-credit-Manuel-Harlan.jpg. Photo by Manuel Harlan
Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox is family fun at its finest. A juicy tale of greed, pride and the power of friendship which promises a Dahlicious theatrical feast with live music and songs.
Nuffield Southampton Theatres and Curve in association with Lyric Hammersmith present
Roald Dahl’s
FANTASTIC MR FOX
Adapted for the stage by Sam Holcroft
Directed by Maria Aberg; Designed by Tom Scutt; Music by Arthur Darvill
Lyrics by Arthur Darvill, Sam Holcroft, Al Muriel and Darren Clark
Sound Designer: Claire Windsor; Lighting Designer: Lee Curran
Movement Director: Ayse Tashkiran; Music Director: Richie Hart; Casting Director: Annelie Powell
Cast includes: Richard Atwill, Greg Barnett, Patrick Burbidge, Jade Croot, Lillie Flynn, Sandy Foster, Gruffudd Glyn, Richie Hart, Thomas Hewitt, Edward Hole, Kelly Jackson, Tanya Shields.
