The wonderful story of Pinocchio has been adapted by the talented Joanna Carrick, the Artistic Director at Red Rose Chain into a charmingly delightful funny show for the whole family to enjoy together.
It’s the story of a wooden puppet who comes to life and all he wants is to be a regular boy. The Blue Fairy promises he will become the best he can be if he works hard, tell the truth and be kind. However, Pinocchio is easily distracted, pretty gullible and seems to get himself into trouble, despite trying hard to be good.
We watch him have his adventures, always getting into scrapes and managing to escape with the help of his friends including the talking cricket and Thomaso the Tuna.
The key elements of the story are there, yet the feel of the show is lighter and more fun as it is performed in the most comical and entertaining way, with the ending confirming that Pinocchio doesn’t need to change, he is just who he needs to be.
There is audience interaction throughout the show as the characters talk to us, whether narration, sharing their thoughts or getting us to clap along with their jolly songs while they dance about and being silly.
The small corner set has been designed to have many nooks and crannies in order for the cast to poke their heads out of, or feet into, exit and enter scenes and it hold most of the props, where you think an item is the decoration a cast member will bring it into the scene. A great space saving trick but also plenty of surprises for the audience to smile over.
For example, when Gepetto sets out to rescue Pinocchio the workbench with a flip of the crates become his boat as he rows across the sea but then unfortunately gets swallowed by a shark, which is clearly shown by a comedy graphic. This workbench also acts as a stable where Pinocchio is kept as he starts to turn into a donkey.
A funny scene, which contained several characters, was the use of a seaside photo board where actors Liam and Jack were all the characters on the board all having a conversation. This was clever, funny, creative and very well executed.
There were endless silly comedy moments that made the audience giggle, smirk, and roar with laughter, not only the jokes but the madcap dancing and witty songs. Look out for the Beatle’s inspired moments, again another smart and fun insertion.
The trio of actors are amazing. Evangeline Dickson plays Pinocchio with a childish, infectious energy which depicts the naivety of Pinocchio and how he is able to get himself into scrapes. Evangeline is a joy to watch as her face lights up with pleasure while she is playing this character through his trials and tribulations.
Jack Heydon plays Gepetto, The Blue Fairy and five other characters and plays the accordion, I might add. He is warm, funny, talented, musical and a pleasure to watch
Liam Bull plays Signore Cherry, The Talking Cricket, Thomaso and seven other characters and the mandolin. Liam is a great actor, engaging and has a sparkle in his eyes.
These three actors bounce off each other, literally, during this performance as it is very physical as they run around the stage, up the set to appear out the window, on or under the table and dance and sing together. Together, with the rest of the production crew, they have created a wonderful show for everyone to enjoy. Grandparents will delight taking their grandchildren out for such silliness, and all members of the family will have a great night.
Pinocchio is playing at The Avenue Theatre until 5th January and tickets are selling out fast – get yours here.
Photos Credit: Bill Jackson