Review: Christmas Comes to Moominvalley, Jacksons Lane

Moomins have been having a moment for the last few years. The strange little creatures and their odd world have captivated people since their inception, and Jacksons Lane’s now-annual Christmas story is sure to draw the next generation into Moominvalley.

This story is a sweet one, based on Tove Jansson‘s 1962 short story The Fir Tree. The Moomin family, unexpectedly awoken from their hibernation by a cantankerous Hemulen are told that Christmas is coming and they must prepare. With no concept of what Christmas is they’re afraid, and try to do what they can to appease what they believe may be some sort of malevolent presence.

This is a circus-heavy production, and there are some very fun tumbling tricks throughout – the cast climb up on each other’s shoulders and are flung around without fear, their energy flooding the theatre from the off. However, there is a slight over-reliance on juggling tricks that grow stale after the first few rounds, and some of the set pieces feel somewhat shoehorned in.

The cacophony of overlapping chatter as tricks are performed is borderline incomprehensible, initially setting a scene of general excitement and activity before quickly becoming nothing more than noise. These parts of the play come across as filler between tricks rather than anything substantial, and particularly in the first instance are drawn out for far too long – we watch the Woodies, who lead the narrative, juggle and jump around for about five minutes before any discernable story starts, or even before a clear line is spoken.

The payoff to the story is slightly rushed after all the buildup. Christmas morning arrives without injury and the Moomins tell the Woodies that all the season’s treats – a tree, food and presents – are for them. It’s cute, and has a suitable goodwill-to-all-men Christmas message, but marks a bit of a sudden shift in power dynamics between the two groups. This may not be apparent to the 3+ audience, however, who are more likely to be captivated by the truly magical set and beautiful designs of the production.

A cold glow covers the stage, large shapes forming the snowy backdrop of Moominvalley creating a dreamy winter wonderland. A giant mesh tube forms the basis of the Moomins’ house; sometimes the interior is illuminated, letting the audience see inside, while at other times it looks more solid. Playing with depth and space like this is a fun way to add texture to scenes, and makes the on-stage world far more interesting. Furthering this, throughout the play characters’ lines are projected onto the backdrop. It’s a smart detail not only adding visual interest but improving accessibility, and nodding to the comic strip origins of the Finnish trolls.

Above all else, the star of the show is the Moomin costumes. The cast of five has to jump between characters at pace, and the large Moomin suits are both practical and pleasing to the eye. Their heads are held up by one hand, eyes able to move about in a surprisingly emotive fashion. It’s hard to think of a better way they could have been executed.

Christmas Comes to Moominvalley is a pleasant alternative Christmas outing for families, and while the play is angled towards younger audiences the joy of the Moomins will appeal to all ages.

Adapted and directed by Kaveh Rahnama
Design: Alison Alexander
Music and sound design: Liam Quinn
Lighting and projection design: Will Monks

Christmas Comes to Moominvalley is suitable for ages 3-103 and plays at Jackson’s Lane until Sunday 4 January.