It’s hard to forget just how dark a story Pinocchio really is. Swindling cats and foxes, horrible puppet masters, lands full of boys turning into donkeys and not forgetting the bit about being swallowed by a fish!
One of my 5 year olds was quite offended that Pinocchio couldn’t tell a fish from a whale and I hadn’t the heart to tell her that yes, Mr. Disney had duped her and many-many others. In Collodi’s original of course, it’s a terrible Dogfish that swallows them whole. In any case, she was adamant that it was because he had sold his ABC book.
Despite this, we sat through the whole performance surrounded by children and adults alike who were mesmerised – and not the least bit phased – by the twists and turns of this scary-but-still-gentle fairy tale, imaginatively brought to the stage by a cast five.
There is the good fairy, played so well by Rachael Louise Miller – who many parents will recognise as Alice from the cartoon series Angelina Ballerina. Then there’s Geppetto played by Martin Neely who’s exasperation at his wooden boy will be immediately recognisable by most parents!
As our tale winds through the workshop, the choices and the outskirts of town to where money might grow on trees and that terrible place Terra di Ragazzi there is no doubt that this show does what theatre does best, unlocking your imagination and holding it hostage until the very end.
Written by the Broadway and Disney writing duo Neil Bartram and Brian Hill (The Story of My Life, Bedknobs and Broomsticks), this family musical brings a new vision of the timeless story to the stage, springing to life with invention with awe-inspiring puppetry, live musicians, singers and performers.
Special mention must go to Christian James whose portrayal of Pinocchio is quite magical, as he finally finds his unselfish heart and once again wins the love of his father.
The Adventures of Pinocchio is running until the 23rd August at Greenwich Theatre. We hear there are still a few seats available and would thoroughly advise you go if you can make it. And if you happen too, don’t forget your MumsCard for your usual 15% discount. There’s plenty to do with the kids before the show and you never know, you could spend the difference in the bar. On an orange juice. Or maybe something else. 😉
Book now and be amazed.
Performance times: Tue-Fri 3pm, Sat 12pm, Sun 12pm & 3pm
Prices: £16, MumsCard £13.50, Children £11 (£15, £12.50 and £10 tickets plus £1 booking fee)
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