Review: Little Gift, Half Moon Theatre

Sometimes a simple story is the one to really bring a smile to your face, and Little Gift by M6 Theatre is a charmingly gentle show for ages 3-7 that offers exactly that.

An impressive pile of colourful suitcases fills the stage from floor to ceiling as we meet our host, Nicola Jayne Ingram, who tells us in song that she is tasked with helping people. Today it’s Ted’s turn, and she is going to give him the gift of a tiny seedling to care for. Ingram is a talented performer who engages warmly with the audience. Through song and storytelling, she relates a pleasantly straightforward tale, easy for a young audience to follow, that gently exemplifies how a simple gesture of kindness can ultimately be life-changing. 

Joss Matzen’s brilliant suitcase-based design proves to be a wonderful Aladdin’s cave of surprises. Ingram literally steps through one to take the audience into a world of imagination, where cases are opened to reveal a reimagined world. Here, she introduces the lovely character of Ted, an old man with no friends, who lives on his own. Ted is a charming puppet with a delightfully expressive face (made by Shona Reppe) and manipulated with characterful care by Ingram. We’re told he never goes out: instead, he sits on his sofa, bored by the television and annoyed by noisy neighbours. But life can improve when you have something to care about, and the gift of a small plant encourages him to get outside, see the world and meet people. 

Mixed with marvellous music and moments of visual magic, the simple story then becomes something rather special. The young audience members are encouraged to actively imagine a changing world around them as it’s described in the storytelling, from busy streets to the park, to a party. This is assisted throughout by a beautiful soundscape from Mark Melville that carefully creates distinct atmospheres and subtle tensions. It’s all fluidly crafted, helping to pace the adventure and providing joyfully uplifting moments. Amusing and whimsical revelations from within the suitcases making up the set have the audience giggling and excited, as snow and sparkles unexpectedly appear.

Come the end, the children in the audience were audibly rooting for Ted, enjoying dancing along with him, or calling out, excited by his adventures. They were keen to see each next step in his progress to becoming a happier person, with a life now filled with fun and friendship. All prompted by one small gesture. This is a wonderfully crafted production that creates the perfect conditions for community, compassion and caring. You’ll leave uplifted, smiling and asking yourself, “Who can I help today?”

Co-Creator & Director: Gilly Baskeyfield
Co-Creator: Andy Manley
Composer: Mark Melville
Design, Production & Touring Director: Joss Matzen
Lighting Designer: Adam Caree 
Costume Design & Stage Management: Sharon McWilliams
Puppet Maker: Shona Reppe

Little Gift is aimed at ages 3-7 and is now touring.