Review: The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Unicorn Theatre

Review: The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Unicorn Theatre

Full of colour, fun and laughter, The Unicorn has taken the classic tale of The Three Billy Goats Gruff and created a belter of a musical for young audiences that will have them bopping in their seats. 

Our three fun-loving goats are hungry and running out of things to eat. They want to go to the other side of the valley where the grass is greener, but there’s a grumpy troll living under the bridge who threatens to eat them if they try to cross. But with the help of Little Bo Frilly (Tiajna Amayo), who is Bo Peep’s bookworm sister, they manage to outwit the troll and save the day. 

This show has the audience by the horns even before the start, when the grumpy old troll (Rhys Rusbatch) enlists their help in setting up a trick to lure those delicious goats over his bridge and into his tummy. Rusbatch is an absolute show-stealer with his wonderfully cartoon performance. He is creepily charismatic as he chats with the children, allowing them to become part of the action while plotting against the goats. Children happily embrace this, shouting and pointing with gusto. At times, he’s also just scary enough to make them jump in pleasurable terror. 

The three goats, Kanoumah Diguet, Samuel Tracy and Sam Pay, make a terrific ensemble, and really bring a bounce to the stage with some excellent, dynamic choreography by Shannelle ‘Tali’ Fergus. It looks completely effortless, but there’s clearly a huge amount of work gone into their synchronised steps. They’re expertly directed by Justin Audibert who makes great use of the space, including extending out into the excited audience to increase the adventure. There’s a lively sense of panto and variety show in the air as the children clap along, shout out and warn of incoming trolls: it’s really great fun.

James Button’s set design is versatile and sometimes surprising, opening up to reveal the troll bridge and that all-important sunset. Like the story, it’s not overcomplicated but still clever, using fab fluorescent paints and lights. The whole is sympathetically lit by Sam Waddington with some striking shots of colour adding boosts of drama .

Of course it’s the songs that give this production its vitality, and the Unicorn have gone straight to the top, recruiting West-End specialists George Stiles and Anthony Drewe to provide superb music and lyrics. They weave together all the musical styles you can think of from music hall to rap, with a touch of opera for drama and even a bit of yodelling thrown in. It’s diverse, upbeat and just a whole load of wonderful. I defy you to not leave singing.

The Three Billy Goats Gruff is 55 minutes of pure, unadulterated fun. With an energetic cast, excellent dancing and top songwriting, it makes for a great family day out this spring.

Music by George Stiles
Book and Lyrics by Anthony Drewe
Directed by Justin Audibert
Designed by James Button
Lighting Design by Sam Waddington
Sound Design by Yvonne Gilbert
Choreography by Shannelle ‘Tali’ Fergus
Musical Direction by Samuel Wilson

Aimed at ages 3-7, The Three Billy Goats Gruff plays at Unicorn Theatre until Sunday 23 April. Further information and bookings can be found here.