A colourful musical that allows pre-schoolers to see their favourite characters come to life up closeRating
Good
A first trip to the theatre can become much more accessible for little ones when they are familiar with the subject of the show and here at Little Angel Theatre that’s easily achieved with Pip and Posy Live on Stage. From their initial appearance in an award-winning book by Axel Scheffler (of The Gruffalo fame) to a highly successful TV series, this cute bunny and mouse duo are huge favourites with the under-fives. Now they come to life in a colourful, musical adventure that is entertaining without becoming too complicated.
The bright set design captures the cartoon style of the source material perfectly, and when puppet Pip and Posy hit the stage the young audience members are visibly excited to see almost identical recreations of their favourite friends, close up and moving. The puppets (Karl Evans Studios) are instantly identifiable and attractive, if a little solid and limited in their functionality, having moving arms but with no changes of facial expressions in mouth or eyes, nor any head rotation. However, the trio of talented performers (Jake Pratt, Tamsin Lynes and Bethan Haney) animate them with huge enthusiasm, creating lots of personality through varied voices and working with tight synchronicity to allow multiple characters to interact. The puppets are also cleverly enabled to pick items up using what appear to be magnets in their paws, which is a fun feature.
The show itself reflects familiar themes from the franchise, such as learning through play, the value of friendship and overcoming conflict. It’s all touched on lightly so there’s no real peril or jeopardy for tinies to deal with. The friends play familiar games such as I Spy and Pip Says (a version of Simon Says), which help get the audience engaged early into the performance, and Mo the cat appears with some ideas of simple nature-based art projects to do after the show. A few interesting educational moments are then threaded through, with visits from squirrel friend Jamila, who offers fascinating details about the mini-beasts in the garden.
Throughout there’s buoyant music and songs (Barb Jungr) that deliver a textured and overall upbeat atmosphere, allowing the cast to showcase their vocal talents in impressive harmonies against a recorded soundtrack.
Pip and Posy Live on Stage is an enjoyable hour in the theatre for pre-schoolers who want to get up close with characters they know and love. And it’s certainly worth waiting until the end for a final piece of spectacle that gives families a fun interaction to delight in as the show concludes.
Written and Directed by Samantha Lane
Music and lyrics by Barb Jungr
Set, puppets and props by Karl Evans Studio
Lighting designed by Andy Cook
Pip and Posy Live on Stage is aimed at ages 2-5 years and runs at Little Angel Theatre until Sunday 22 November.
