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A whimsical, wintery yarn full of heart and music. Summary
Rating
Unmissable!
Three people clad in colourful knitted garments and wearing strange, oversized glasses make their way into the audience of the Djanogly Theatre. They chat brightly with the young children who have come to see The Boy Who Cried Wolf at Lakeside Arts on this frosty afternoon. It occurs to me that for some of these children this afternoon’s show could be the first theatrical experience of their lives.
Soon a rhythmic utterance cuts through the hubbub of young families – “click, click, clickety clack” – and the show is underway. Immediately, performers Alex Wingfield, Dora Rubinstein, and Danny Childs captivate the room as they perform an intricate sequence of choreography from Movement Director Joanne Bernard, using knitting needles to introduce their audience to a village in which “everybody knits!”
Wingfield shines as Silas, “a bother of a boy” suddenly tasked with the responsibility of shepherding the family’s flock of less-than-bright sheep (played hilariously by Rubinstein and Childs). Meanwhile, Rubinstein charms as his mother, a talented knitter, who simply wishes for one of her jumpers to win the village’s annual jumper contest. Last but not least, Childs entertains as “a grand old brass band of a granddad”. He wisely warns that “nobody believes a liar, even when they’re telling the truth” ensuring that no child will leave the theatre this afternoon without hearing the production’s valuable message loud and clear.
From the very beginning it is evident that this is one of those special productions in which each element has been so thoughtfully imagined, skilfully created, and masterfully woven together that every moment is a new feast. Mike Kenny’s script sparkles with fun while Christella Litras’ playful music direction of Dominic Sales’ wonderful composition delights. Joanne Bernard’s brilliant movement direction complements them both.
Careful and attentive direction by Wendy Harris results in a production that is wonderfully accessible for young/new theatregoers. From the gentle beginning to the way the wolves are portrayed with just enough sinisterness to build suspense but not enough to truly alarm, Harris builds an experience that is exciting without ever needing to be extreme. Combined with Rebecca Constable’s innovative design and a trio of performers who not only sing, dance, and act with ease, but play a multitude of instruments and operate the set throughout the show, The Boy Who Cried Wolf is a shining example of theatre for young audiences done right.
Written by: Mike Kenny
Artistic Director: Wendy Harris
Composed by: Dominic Sales
Movement Direction by: Joanne Bernard
Design by: Rebecca Constable
Musical Direction by: Christella Litras
Produced by Tutti Frutti
The Boy Who Cried Wolf is aimed at ages 3+ and runs at Lakeside Arts until Dec 31 before touring the USA throughout spring 2024. Further information and tickets for Lakeside Arts can be found here.
