Post by joem on Aug 12, 2017 23:05:02 GMT
Revival of a production which I missed last Xmas. It is an adaptation by Jessica Sian of a children's story by Japanese author Eiko Kadono although probably more people (like myself) will be familiar with the animated film from the splendid Miyazaki stable.
The story of a young witch, Kiki (Jennifer Leung), with one gift - she can fly with the aid of, yes, a broomstick - who leaves home to find herself, together with her black cat Jiji. After an eventful journey she lands in a strange city and starts up a delivery service which leads to all sorts of capers.
Good performances all round, with the six-strong cast mostly doubling, trebling and more in an able manner where each character they play is distinctive. A special mention for Thomas Gilbey who voices and manages the Jiji cat puppet in a very convincing and amusing manner.
An excellent production of this story, especially given the budgetary constraints of a theatre such as the Southwark Playhouse, which really brings it to life in this relatively modest space with plenty of fun and excitement. There are enough special effects to make this quite a sophisticated effort at this level. I was rather surprised that only one member of the audience, the house was about two-thirds full, was aged under 10. I would have thought this is a fantastic day or night out to take kids and young teenagers and maybe "recruit" them to our noble vice. And tickets are only £12.
On the negative side, one grouse. When I bought my tickets it looked like the play was going to be performed almost in the round so the view would be equally good from any seat. However this is not the case and anyone seated on the far sides will miss some of the action which occurs on a higher level. This even though none of the seats was described as having a restricted view. Had I known, I would have bought other tickets as there were plenty available when I made my purchase.
Very much worth going to if you're craving for something uncomplicated and entertaining or if you want to take someone young or (like me) immature.
The story of a young witch, Kiki (Jennifer Leung), with one gift - she can fly with the aid of, yes, a broomstick - who leaves home to find herself, together with her black cat Jiji. After an eventful journey she lands in a strange city and starts up a delivery service which leads to all sorts of capers.
Good performances all round, with the six-strong cast mostly doubling, trebling and more in an able manner where each character they play is distinctive. A special mention for Thomas Gilbey who voices and manages the Jiji cat puppet in a very convincing and amusing manner.
An excellent production of this story, especially given the budgetary constraints of a theatre such as the Southwark Playhouse, which really brings it to life in this relatively modest space with plenty of fun and excitement. There are enough special effects to make this quite a sophisticated effort at this level. I was rather surprised that only one member of the audience, the house was about two-thirds full, was aged under 10. I would have thought this is a fantastic day or night out to take kids and young teenagers and maybe "recruit" them to our noble vice. And tickets are only £12.
On the negative side, one grouse. When I bought my tickets it looked like the play was going to be performed almost in the round so the view would be equally good from any seat. However this is not the case and anyone seated on the far sides will miss some of the action which occurs on a higher level. This even though none of the seats was described as having a restricted view. Had I known, I would have bought other tickets as there were plenty available when I made my purchase.
Very much worth going to if you're craving for something uncomplicated and entertaining or if you want to take someone young or (like me) immature.
