Review: The Koala Who Could, Unicorn Theatre

The sandstone outcrops and red soil of the Australian outback set a colourful scene for The Koala Who Could at the Unicorn Theatre. Based on the award-winning book by Rachel Bright & Jim Field, this production beautifully captures the aesthetic and characterisation of the original, whilst turning a 30 page story into nearly a full hour of fun entertainment for ages 3+.

Authentic Aussie music by Jason Donovan and other natives leads us in to the performance, where we meet three explorers packed and ready to go animal spotting. One of the creatures they come across is Kevin the Koala, who clings to his tree, doing nothing all day, wary of taking up invitations from the other animals to come and play. He gets anxious at the thought of change, embracing his isolation, and adorably using self-affirmations to persuade himself things are OK. It’s a simple story that ultimately offers a positive message, as his friends are there to support him when a disaster forces him out of his comfort zone.

Adapted and directed by Emma Earle, this is a really polished production with some impressive features. To begin with, Oli Townsend’s set design is gorgeously vibrant, illustrating the scene of the lazy heat really well, but it’s also wonderfully flexible and innovative. Kevin’s tree begins as a simple cutout but we quickly ‘zoom in’ to see it reinvented as huge pieces are assembled, or used in individual parts to make the setting transferable across scenes. The concept goes with ease from hosting a tiny puppet to a full grown man, clinging from a branch. There’s a beautiful waterfall, animated with flowing fabric, and shining suns in the desert that add richness to the environment.

The music in the show, composed by Eamonn O’Dwyer, is a real standout, bringing plenty of energy and texture, and it’s beautifully performed with glorious harmonies by a talented cast. There’s probably room for another song (or two!) in the adventure as they are so brilliant, perhaps about mid-way in where there’s a slight lag in tension.

Not only talented but joyfully dynamic, the cast work synchronously to keep that energy flowing and the audience engaged. Christopher Finn is fabulous as Kevin, rounding the character out delightfully as he simultaneously puppeteers and even transforms into a koala himself. He’s joined by the energetic Danny Hendrix and Sarah Palmer who, along with Finn, play a selection of entertaining characters. The team have a lot to do with costume, character and set changes but pull it off seamlessly. 

Under the guidance of puppetry director Yvonne Stone the beautifully made puppets (Chuck Brown & Max Humphries for Unit 9 Puppet Workshop) bring the wildlife to the stage in interesting forms, with some creative use of scale – and hats! It’s great to see all the Aussie creatures represented, but it’s a bit unusual that there’s a male kangaroo with a joey and pouch.

For very young audience members it’s possibly confusing when at points the Kevin character changes from a puppet into a human, but largely they seemed to embrace the illusion. Also, when Kevin himself has an Australian accent it’s a puzzling choice to give other roles strong UK regional accents.

However, the families today gave a healthy round of applause come the positive resolution to the tale, which reinforces a message of acknowledging your fears and accepting help to overcome them. The whole is a great adaptation of a popular book that brings page to stage with finesse and fun.

Based on the book by Rachel Bright & Jim Field
Adapted and Directed by Emma Earle

Music and Lyrics by Eamonn O’Dwyer

Puppet Design by Chuck Brown & Max Humphries for Unit 9 Puppet Workshop

Puppetry Direction by Yvonne Stone

The Koala Who Could plays at Unicorn Theatre until Sunday 1 June.