© John Ross William Tuckett 'Pinocchio' reviews Hart in reviews Kemp in reviews recent William Tuckett reviews more Mandy Kent reviews Discuss this review (Open for at least 6 months)

As posted on our Postings pages...

From the start the audience are engaged by interacting with the singers as they enter the auditorium. Geppetto appears alongside Row A to introduce us to his story, brought about by his deep desire to have a son. Luke Heydon has been tempted back to the Linbury stage from his new career as a landscape gardener for this peach of a role. The little wooden puppet, played by the irresistible Matthew Hart, bursts forth from an ingeniously designed tree trunk at the touch of Geppetto’s axe, his limbs apparently able to hinge in both directions, his mischievous yet innocent nature conveyed eloquently through speech as well as movement. His guide, the beautiful Blue Fairy was danced by Cathy Marston, an ethereal vision in a blue frock with matching wig and scooter!

But it is Stromboli, the wicked puppeteer, who steals the show and has all the best lines and songs. Will Kemp, back in the by now obligatory moustache ( think Ratty and Soldiers Tale) bounces around with an evil leer, brandishing his whacking stick and thumping all who cross his path, so beware! His side kicks are the mangy Cat (Tom Sapsford) and the sexy Fox ( Charlotte Broom) who tempt and pursue Pinocchio away from his home and his father.
 

Of course good prevails and dreams come true in the end, but what a marvellous adventure is had on the way. The imaginative sets, designed by the Quay Brothers are kept simple but highly effective, for example a huge silken sheet patterned with waves and foam for the sea, and a giant ‘Chinese dragon’ style Whale which swallows up first Geppetto then Pinocchio.

It’s a real treat from start to finish, highly recommended to all. The promotional material stated suitable for over 8’s, but there was nothing very scary and plenty of 5-6 year olds who were thoroughly enjoying themselves and did not want to give their toys back to Stromboli!

I’ll be going again to see the second cast on Monday and taking my children to one of the workshops, so hope to report back on these later .