The Emperor and the Nightingale, Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
THE Hans Christian Anderson tale of the infant emperor, who learns the true value of everything through the search for the nightingale, is the perfect swan song for artistic director Ian Forrest.
And what a way to bow out.
This family production has the magical touch of Forrest - music, dance, puppetry and excellent direction which provides an entertaining, dramatic feast for all ages.
This wasn't one of my favourite fables as a child, and I confess I approached the evening with low expectations of a good night at the theatre - how wrong I was.
The opening with a bare stage and primary coloured, simple scrubs as costumes didn’t give me much hope of a grand night out - however, Forrest was just playing with us. Layer upon layer of set and costume designs, Chinese dragon and charming nightingale from the Shepherd’s Life puppetry director Jimmy Grimes brought true eastern magic to the stage. The nightingale is brought to life by Amy Gardyne, whose voice is beautifully haunting.
Sally Cheng as Xiao, daughter of the Dragon King is so perfectly cast. There is a true warmth shown in the relationship she and Patrick Bridgman as her father creates. It is hard to believe she only graduated from Guildford School of Acting last year - but no surprise she gained a first class honours in musical theatre. She is a first class performer, filling the stage with her presence.
Martin Sarreal as the young emperor, Wu, works well with Cheng.
Special mention also goes to the monkeys played by Silas Wyatt-Barke and Ed Parry. There is plenty of comedy woven into this adaptation by Neil Duffield - and Joel Sams as the villain and controller of the young emperor, Li-Si, brings boos and hisses from the audience.
The best bits of pantomime, blended with the depth of drama from a classic story, and musical expertise from the cast, and you have the perfect festive production - what better way for a child to start their theatregoing experience.
KAREN MORLEY-CHESWORTH
The Emperor and the Nightingale runs until January 14
Box office 017687-74411.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here