CHILDREN OF THE CROWN. To 16 July.
Nottingham
CHILDREN OF THE CROWN
by Nick Wood
Nottingham Playhouse To 16 July 2005
5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15 July 1.30pm
2, 9, 16 July 2pm
1, 2, 8, 9 15, 16 July 7pm
Audio Described/BSL Signed 16 July 2pm
Runs 1hr 50min One interval
TICKETS: 0115 941 9419
www.nottingham,playhouse.co.uk
Review: Alan Geary: 2 July 2005
Good triumphs over evil in this entertaining and uplifting fantasy yarn for all ages.Anyone from about seven upwards can relish this fantasy adventure tale. It's exciting, amusing and uplifting.
Some colourful costumes, as well as the weapons technology swords, knives and axes suggest the vaguely medieval; but really we're in never-never time. In strict logic, griping about anachronisms is therefore meaningless.
Nevertheless, in the context of an otherwise accomplished text What's that supposed to mean?' is a bit too Eastenders; and I'm going to turn this country round' sounds alarmingly like a go-getting business guru.
The writing is sparse and cinematic; plot development, helped along at times by some vigorous narration, is brisk. In fact, one wondered if it's too rapid for the tinies.
Three minutes of post-performance field research, however, indicated that, whilst seven-year-olds might not stay on top of some of the plot, ten-year-olds will understand everything. Almost everyone, whatever the age, will enjoy it.
That said, it is particularly tailored for children. There are some nice satirical touches which will appeal to the young: servants often take charge of the situation at critical moments and women rescue incompetent men in a mess.
Issues are not dodged: a village is razed, yes, but it's tastefully done; and moral dilemmas are confronted head-on two brothers, men of goodwill, hold differing but equally valid views on how to react in the face of oppression.
The fights are fun: we get fencing between men and a tongue in cheek eastern martial arts bout between two women.
Besides acting, a strong cast sing and narrate. Andrew Kwame's Finn is a trifle histrionic to start with but soon settles. Doing four parts, Jim Findley is a joy, particularly as a villainous shepherd and and old man with a Caribbean accent.
In the latter role he is very funny during a bogus plague scene. Tanya Myers in the same scene is less credible as his wife but as the Queen and as a narrator she commands the stage.
This play is something that young people ought to see, not only because good triumphs over evil but because victory doesn't come easily. Also, of course, it's solidly entertaining.
Ash: Krissi Bohn
Pia: Emily Chennery
King/Innkeeper/Old Man/Soldier/Shepherd: Jim Findley
Declan: Nicholas Gallagher
Marec/Soldier: Kevin S Golding
Finn: Andrew Kwame
Conall/Soldier: Paul McGreevy
Queen/Old Woman/Soldier: Tanya Myers
Rian: Simon Sanchez
Director: Andrew Breakwell
Designer: Jane Linz Roberts
Lighting: Geoff Spain
Composer/Musical Director: Matt Marks
Fight director: Kate Waters
2005-07-04 00:19:21