KRINDLEKRAX: Ridley, Bham Rep till 29 June, Nott Playhouse till 20 July
Birmingham Rep and Nottingham Playhouse Joint Production
KRINDLEKRAX: Philip Ridley
Birmingham Rep 20 – 29 June: Tkts: 0121 236 4455
Nottingham Playhouse 4 - 20 July: Tkts: 0115 941 9419
Runs: 2h 15m, one interval
Review: Rod Dungate, Birmingham Rep, Friday 20 June 2002
An entertaining and challenging young people's play, energy and flair, though not always clear.
Philip Ridley's adaptation of his own novel for young people is everything we would expect from good adult theatre, an entertaining and challenging play that deals with serious issues.
The Krindlekrax is a mysterious creature, half crocodile half dragon, that lives in the sewers underneath Ruskin Splinter's street – Lizard Street. Ruskin is seen as a bit of a wimp – into theatre and books, not sport. His best friend is the story-telling school caretaker. Ruskin, cheated of the part of the hero in his school play by bully Elvis Cave, has to confront the Krindlekrax and save the people in his street – discovering his own potential in doing it.
On the surface the play is much to do with bullying (on the increase in our society today): but at a deeper level it's about confronting the narrowness of vision that holds us back from achieving dreams in life. Ruskin is surrounded by people who want to imprison him within their narrow visions: the Krindlekrax is a brilliant metaphor for this.
The appearance of the huge croc-dragon, itself, in the second half is a wonderful dramatic moment – multi-layered since the giant puppet is operated by all the characters that hold Ruskin back. It's at moments like this when the adaptation is truly theatrically thrilling.
At other times, though, Ridley seems too aware of himself in his adaptation, and not even Anthony Clark's sharp and pacey direction can sort out the confusions. Most of this fog surrounds Ruskin's desire to be an actor, modelling himself on heroes Richardson, Gielgud, Olivier and at a climax turning point Alec Guinness. Ruskin reads from a newspaper clipping Guinness's analysis of how he creates a character. While this may work in a book (children might stop and ask) it certainly goes way above their heads in a play. It's true we should challenge young audiences but to obscure a central character's crucial development like this is simply unfair: it only allows the young people to see half the play.
For the most part, though, the play is buzzing with energy, humour and flair. Particularly strong are the whole Splinter family (Ruskin, Mum and Dad – Gregor Henderson-Begg, Maria Gough, Jamie Newall) who look brilliantly like a comic-book family. Henderson-Begg brings a directness to his role that is immediately engaging.
Rachel Blues (who designs) demonstrates a level of wit in her costumes that has great appeal.
Rusking Splinter: Gregor Henderson-Begg
Wendy Splinter: Maria Gough
Winston Splinter: Jamie Newall
Corky Pigeon: Alan Rothwell
Elvis Cave: David Florez
Mr Cave: Nick Stringer
Mrs Cave: Joy Aldridge
Sparkey Walnut: Sushil Chudasama
Dr Flowers: John Flitcroft
Mr Lace: David Kendall
Mrs Walnut: Bharti Patel
Mr Flick: Trevor Thomas
Director: Anthony Clark
Design: Rachel Blues
Lighting: Nick Beadle
Sound: Gregory Clarke
2002-06-22 17:08:56