Tag Archives: Lily Faith Knight

Robin Hood: The Arrow Of Destiny
★★★★★

Theatre Peckham

Robin Hood: The Arrow Of Destiny

Robin Hood: The Arrow Of Destiny

Theatre Peckham

Reviewed – 6th December 2018

★★★★★

“sends you out into Peckham afterwards humming the music and full of goodwill to all”

 

You may not think of Robin Hood as a Christmas story, but this joyously realised version by Richard Hurford, with infectious Rap, Salsa and Reggae tunes by Rob Castell sends you out into Peckham afterwards humming the music and full of goodwill to all men, women and, in particular, the forty or so children of the cast, product of the venue’s own theatre school. This is the first production under incoming Artistic Director Suzann McLean (who also directs) and the perfect choice for this 30-year-old theatre’s mix of local talent and professionals.

The play’s twist of making Robin himself (academy alumni Malachi Green) so loveably hopeless means that all heroism and resolve for feeding the villagers and taking on the sadistic Sheriff of Nottingham (played with vulpine wit by Ray Newe) falls on the reluctant shoulders of Maid Marian (Ayanna Christie-Brown). Actually, this feels less like gender politics, more a hilarious reflection on modern life, with all these young inhabitants of Peckham growing up with no shortage of disappointing heroes. As the press release says, this Robin is real. In any case, he eventually faces his fears and we realise that figureheads are different to heroes and maybe communities need both.

As is traditional with Christmas shows, there is something for everyone, but it’s a nice change that the jokes for grown-ups are clever references, such as those to the ‘me too’ movement and austerity rather than the brash innuendos of pantomimes. Indeed, the production design as a whole foregoes glitz and noise for fun and charm. Instead of satin, sequins and extravagant headdresses, Designer Lily Faith Knight uses recycled materials; trees are made with corrugated cardboard and costumes gleaned from local charity shops, giving a retro impression which, when paired with the funky homemade music, recalls 70s rock musicals and Sesame Street in the time of Children’s Television Workshop.

As for performances, the irresistible feelgood factor ensures that the accomplished talents are loved, the less accomplished ones loved even more. The youngsters include some precocious talents, some surely destined to follow previous student John Boyega into a starry future. Others simply love inhabiting their parts – in this show every character has a name, no one’s just a villager! Of the grown-ups, Guy of Gisborne is portrayed with fun, energy and skill by debutante Gustavo Navarro, Friar Tuck played with aplomb and grumpy precision by Geoff Aymer. As Maid Marian, Ayanna Christie-Brown is tough, humble, yet full of bright-eyed optimism even while having to do everything herself, including delivering some magical musical moments in an effortless and soulful singing voice.

But as in every community, everyone fits in and plays their vital part. That’s the theme of this version of Robin Hood, but also of this production and of Theatre Peckham itself. And if it’s not a Christmassy theme, that’s Christmas’s problem.

Reviewed by Dominic Gettins

Photography by Suzi Corker

 

Robin Hood: The Arrow Of Destiny

Theatre Peckham until 22nd December

 

Last five shows reviewed by this reviewer:
Semites | ★★★ | The Bunker | October 2018
The Trench | ★★★ | Southwark Playhouse | October 2018
Woman of the Year | ★★★ | The Space | October 2018
Love Lies Bleeding | ★★★★ | Print Room at the Coronet | November 2018
The Seagull | ★★★ | The Tower Theatre | November 2018

 

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One Duck Down – 5 Stars

One Duck Down

One Duck Down

Pleasance Theatre

Reviewed – 26th October 2018

★★★★★

“The sheer silliness and the underlying message are perfectly balanced”

 

Having taught seagulls to sing the national anthem, counted all the stones on the beach and memorised the phonebook, Billy, a lovestruck seventeen-year-old is yet to impress his unrequited crush, Cecilia Sourbottom. When challenged to collect 7000 rubber ducks that have accidentally been plunged into the ocean, Billy sets sail on a worldwide voyage to win over his love.

Cue a swashbuckling adventure, jampacked with clowning, musical numbers and physical theatre. Taking inspiration from a real life event in 1992, FacePlant Theatre deliver a strong message about pollution, with a light-hearted and accessible approach for young audiences. The original writing, packed with cheeky puns and witty pop culture references, makes it impossible for the whole family not to enjoy.

The cast demonstrate excellent storytelling skills and detailed characterisation in all of their roles. Jack Dorning as Billy delivers an energetic and captivating performance, which creates anticipation for each encounter on his journey. The multi-role performances of Alice Bounce, Maxwell Tyler and Lydia Hourihan are larger than life and showcase excellent voice adaptation. Among the amusing characters, Scuzzy the brummie rocker polar bear and Alberto the opera-singing Albatross are highlights.

The sheer silliness and the underlying message are perfectly balanced. The actors know when to slow the pace to emphasise an important point and when to pick up the momentum with slick transitions, demonstrating their skill and control throughout. The moment Billy recovers his plastic bottle on the debris island is particularly clear and effective. The musical numbers add to the fun and feature some lovely harmonies. The audience may be encouraged to sing along more with greater invitation and interactions from the cast members.

Lily Faith Knight’s design is ingenious and marries well with the make-believe story. Knight is able to get maximum use and effect out of simple props and costumes which magically come to life, featuring amongst other things, glove puppet crabs, a tin bath turned boat and three cardboard pieces that form a whale. Despite the minimalist set design, the attention to detail and the empathetic delivery of the actors, convey the humour of the writing extremely well.

Although the ending feels slightly rushed, the tale comes full circle to charmingly conclude Billy’s epic adventure. This production is imaginative and slightly quackers, but well worth a watch.

 

Reviewed by Beth Partington

Photography courtesy FacePlant Theatre

 


One Duck Down

Pleasance Theatre until 28th October

 

 

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