THE GRUFFALO'S CHILD
THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD, Christine Dunstan Productions at the Seymour Centre and touring.
WHEN A FIVE-YEAR-OLD tells you he clearly remembers the first show because it was a bit scary but there were really good cakes afterwards as it was The Gruffalo’s birthday, you realize all over again the impact live theatre can have on small children. James – now five and then three – was adamant that he wouldn’t be frightened this time because he’s two years older and anyway the Gruffalo isn’t real because he’s a character. Meanwhile his sister, Felicity, was being just amaaaaazed that she is now seven and was the same age as James is now when he was frightened by the Gruffalo, but of course she wasn’t frightened at all, was she? etc etc.
And now The Gruffalo is back after many adventures worldwide and somehow or other – don’t ask don’t tell – has acquired a small brat. All is well until Poppa Gruffalo says the silliest thing anyone can say to a child: “don’t”. In this case it’s “never ever go into the deep dark woods.” He’s hardly settled down to a good snore when the fidgety offspring (charming Chandel Brandimarti) is wriggling out of bed and off in search of mischief and the Big Bad Mouse. That’s the one with “eyes like pools of fire” of course – the very same Mouse that managed to wheedle his way out of becoming a Gruffalo snack and is now one of the scary legends of the deep dark woods. (When we went, Mouse was played very well and at short notice by understudy Andrew Threlfall, usually Mouse is the spunky Crystal Hegedis.)
Having the Gruffalo sleep through this latest adventure enablesthe terrific Stephen Anderson to sneakily slip out of the ingenious horned and huge costume and assume his other three roles: Snake – all slithery and hissy in Lurex tail coat and moustaches; pompous Owl and cheeky cockney wide boy, Fox. All are encountered by Baby Gruffalo on her way to the date with destiny – the Big Bad Mouse – and the trio make a terrific fist of the catchy singalong songs, including Stick to Me and Do I Look Stupid To You? (on the CD if you fancy a bit of light merchandising) and sassy dance moves.
Essential to any show for littlies is the ability to capture attention and engage the audience in some kind of fun activities and The Gruffalo’s Child does it well. Grown-ups and small people alike can get right into an enthusiastic call and response and some energetic simulated snapping jaws action.
Simplicity and good production values make the show a satisfying experience for adults and kids as the Gruffalo’s cave, the deep dark woods and Baby Gruff’s travels are enacted with spooky silvery trees that zoom around the stage at the touch of a Foxy/Snaky/Mousy paw. All up, it’s a fun hour or so whether you’re five and absolutely not scared, or an adult who asks to hold the five-year-old’s hand because then she won’t be scared as he’ll look after her, won’t he? Recommended for 4 to 94s.
