Tag Archives: Beth Partington

The Very Well-Fed Caterpillar
★★★★

Etcetera Theatre

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The Very Well-Fed Caterpillar

The Very Well-Fed Caterpillar

Etcetera Theatre

Reviewed – 9th December 2018

★★★★

“In such an absurd story, the cast quite literally lose the plot, but the diversions are welcome, leaving the audience in hysterics”

 

In this warped retelling of Eric Carle’s childhood classic, a loathsome, very hungry caterpillar fails to metamorphose as no cocoon will stretch around his bulging belly. Instead of becoming a handsome butterfly, the Caterpillar King (Nathan Charles) is a raging tyrant with a hunger for raw red meat. When the king meets his match in a beautiful butterfly queen (Ted Vaudrey) from an alternate universe, the servile Steve (Murray Burgess) – or is it Simon? – nervously suggests the king share his food with his kingdom. Will the king impress the queen and secure the long-term relationship he desires?

From the first rhyme spoken in unison, The Very Well-Fed Caterpillar is high energy and high speed. Movement sequences are slick and well-rehearsed to match crafty writing which introduces the setting and tone of the piece concisely. The pace gives an impactful start, but it does turn out to be a detriment as gags are missed throughout the play. With such an abundance of quickfire jokes the enunciation of all the actors could be improved. Aside from this and a few dad jokes that fall flat, the play is laugh-a-minute with popular references to Shrek and Star Wars, and a spot-on impression of Gordon Ramsay in Hell’s Kitchen. You could definitely get more from this show with a second watch.

The world Red Biscuit Theatre create is bonkers but relatable, featuring some tense group work and a passive aggressive exchange over the decision to name a character Neil. Theo Moore and Craig Unadkat are particularly funny multi-rolling as doors, a bell tower and conflicting members of the Cape Caterpillar Liberation Club. Human props play a large part in the story, used nicely both to transform the blank stage and as an illusion that can be deconstructed for comic relief. In such an absurd story, the cast quite literally lose the plot, but the diversions are welcome, leaving the audience in hysterics. The hour of silliness is definitely enjoyed by the cast and audience alike, which is a thrill to see.

Most impressive is how the company deliver a moral message of redemption amidst their twisted tale. Their ability to devise this Pythonesque physical comedy from the loose plot of a children’s book suggests some promising future work from the troupe.

 

Reviewed by Beth Partington

Photography by Caitlin Plimmer

 


The Very Well-Fed Caterpillar

Etcetera Theatre

 

Last ten shows reviewed at this venue:
To the Moon… and Back… and Back… | ★★★ | August 2018
Too Young to Stay in | ★★★ | August 2018
Your Molotov Kisses | ★★★★ | August 2018
Bully | ★★★★ | September 2018
Little by Little | ★★ | September 2018
The Break-up Autopsy | ★★★★ | October 2018
Never Swim Alone | ★★★★ | November 2018
Rats | ★ | November 2018
Vol 2.0 | ★★★ | November 2018
Jailbirds | ★★ | December 2018

 

Click here to see more of our latest reviews on thespyinthestalls.com

 

The Snowman
★★★★★

Peacock Theatre

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The Snowman

The Snowman

Peacock Theatre

Reviewed – 24th November 2018

★★★★★

“As snow cascades onto the audience, they eagerly wave to the snowman and dance in the aisles”

 

In Raymond Briggs’ popular Christmas classic, a young boy’s snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve. After tiptoeing around the house, midnight feasting and dressing up, James and The Snowman take off on a North Pole adventure. Birmingham Rep’s adaptation of Briggs’ book and Dianne Jackson’s film revives the festive fable with some welcome surprises. The addition of bad-guy, Jack Frost and an ice princess who dance the tango with the snowman may drift from the original story, but this can be excused as the light-hearted rendition captures the attention of the very young audience throughout, despite having no dialogue. Perhaps the most unexpected twist, a giant fruit limbo competition (why not, ay?) has the audience roaring with laughter.

Needless to say, the highpoint of the play is the timeless Walking in the Air flying sequence which ends the first act. It has all who are watching transfixed and brings a whimsical twist with the pair flying over seas, mountains, and a drunken brass band player. The charming dream scene which closes the second act captures the magic of the silent film with childhood innocence. Balletic woodland animals and prancing reindeers with highly detailed costumes create a picturesque wintry scene.

The stage design of Ruari Murchison plays a huge part in transporting the audience to a winter wonderland, with a snow-globe proscenium arch and an idyllic set. As snow cascades onto the audience, they eagerly wave to the snowman and dance in the aisles. The stage effects and lighting maintain the effect of snow fall throughout – a perfect setting for the enchanting choreography of Robert North. The famous score with music and lyrics by Howard Blake clearly inspires the gestures and movement. North makes ballet accessible to a new audience with his choreography, expertly performed by the Ice Princess and Jack Frost. Due respect must also be given to The Snowman (Martin Fenton) for fantastically leaping and pirouetting in a fluffy snowman suit. The young boy cast as James is a confident performer with excellent miming abilities.

Now in its 21st year at the Peacock Theatre, The Snowman is a nostalgia trip for parents and the perfect treat to kick-start the festive season for all the family.

 

Reviewed by Beth Partington

Photography by Tristram Kenton

 


The Snowman

Peacock Theatre until 6th January

 

 

 

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