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A jewel-bright, energetically active joy of a show for tiny people that will surely leave everyone bouncing on the bed! Summary
Rating
Unmissable!
Roll up, roll up for an hour of spectacular entertainment! Enjoy thrills and spills galore as The Princess and the Pea delights family audiences at the Unicorn Theatre in a uniquely wonderful and energetically acrobatic production.
The Purple Princess (Rhiannon Skerritt) is pampered and preened by a trio of servants (Danielle Bird, Nathan Johnston and Robert Penny), there to look after her every need. But one mealtime a handful of peas goes carelessly awry… Later, after a stormy horse ride, the princess arrives back at the palace so bedraggled that the servants don’t recognise her royalness, and at bedtime trouble ensues.
Theresa Heskins’ highly entertaining adaptation draws splendidly on acrobatics and circus skills to create a dazzling atmosphere that will delight young spectators. It’s an almost totally non-verbal performance, but with a clearly drawn narrative and a superb soundtrack and visuals which together make the tale easy to follow.
The performances by the cast of four are utterly exceptional, prompting audible gasps and spontaneous applause from the audience as the team somersault and pratfall, twirl each other around, tumble from a pile of sixteen – yes SIXTEEN – mattresses, with thrilling precision co-ordination; all the while retaining delightful characterisation. Clever sleight of hand and illusion add magic to the mix, and our reality is pleasurably disrupted as the seemingly impossible is performed. A space is gently created to reimagine the relationship between the princess and her servants using ideas of teamwork, friendship and democracy. Gender stereotypes are also defied by having each of the cast successfully performing seriously challenging physical activities, which feels great.
Laura McEwan’s set and costume design is just exquisite. The palace setting is simply signalled by use of a giant chandelier, an oversized bed and throne. These and the costumes are decked out in rich, jewel-like colours that bring vibrancy and glamour, and make it easy to identify the separate performers. It’s all enhanced by gorgeous lighting design from Joshie Harriette that accentuates the splendour, sometimes adding surprising flashes of energy. Nighttime is flagged by a giant projected moon, whilst forest scenes are framed by enormous trees, but it’s up to us to use our imaginations to fill out an exuberant horse ride, given only the head and the performers’ movements alongside animated music to satisfyingly create the vibrant image.
Tayo Akinbode’s highly evocative musical backdrop supports the narrative by boldly creating atmospheres and moods. From lovely lullabies to circus styles and random dances, it generates rich humour and emotion. This is supported by a fabulous sound design from Alex Day that includes brilliantly quirky and amusing foley effects. The whole often feels like a cartoon, as the acrobatics, visuals and sound seamlessly blend to create a distinctly drawn comic atmosphere. It’s beautifully done.
Excellent direction from Heskins along with Vicki Dela Amedume sees the Unicorn space used surprisingly and imaginatively, with the action not only going up in the air but right out into the auditorium; disrupting the audience’s space with exciting acrobatic stunts and mattresses sliding down steps.
Apart from the astonishing cast, the wonderful music and design, I must say I’m still reeling from the fact that this is a production for only ages 2+. Rarely do you see such quality of creative investment in theatre for such a young age group, and this show is remarkable in its all-round excellence. Tailored to the very young, yet impressive for any age group, it screams that our young audiences are every bit as valuable as adult ones and deserve the finest theatrical experience. Bravo to these creatives and to the Unicorn Theatre for hosting such an inspiring, enjoyable piece of work.
You can read more about this amazing show in our recent interview with Theresa Heskins.
Adapted by: Theresa Heskins
Co-directed by: Vicki Dela Amedume and Theresa Heskins
Design by: Laura McEwen
Lighting Design by: Joshie Harriette
Composed by: Tayo Akinbode
Sound Design by: Alex Day
Assistant Choreography by: Nathan Johnston
The Princess and the Pea is aimed at ages 2+ and plays at the Unicorn Theatre until Sunday 16 June. Booking details here.
