ONE SNOWY NIGHT by Charles Way Minerva Theatre to 5 January.

Chichester

ONE SNOWY NIGHT
by Charles Way

Minerva Theatre, daytimes and early evenings to 5 January 2002.
Runs 1hr No interval

TICKETS 01243 781312
Review Timothy Ramsden 26 December

Much to enjoy in a well-played and visually resplendent new piece for the young.Charles Way has written what is nearly an outstanding play for 4-8s. Combining mythic setting with universal human experience, it's set in a snow-bound valley on a near-polar island. Mother and father have to travel to the doctor's for the birth of a new child. Their son Nonni is disgruntled at being left, as he is at the prospect of the newcomer.

Left alone, Nonni makes new friends with the family sheepdog, but when the prize ewe goes missing the two set off up the mountains, meeting danger in the rival Ice and Fire Trolls on the island's glacier and volcano respectively. Themes of trust and responsibility, friendship and reliability, are bound up in the adventure played out on Gerry McCann's white set.

Rather much is made in the early dialogue of Nonni's unwillingness to accept the forthcoming sibling. His scowl gives him, his mother Rosa says, a Troll look. And the Trolls are later found to be friendless, jealous creatures. But the play threatens to descend into an issue piece.

Fortunately, Way soon switches to developing his points through action. My other quarrel comes near the end, as Nonni is struck down by the warring Trolls. Sheepdog Titla has her greatest moment in keeping him warm, but the action gives out. The next moment, parents, sheep and the two adventurers – one dog-tired, the other apparently fresh - turn up, miraculously saved from the adversity of a moment before.

This apart, One Snowy Night is a good addition to the repertoire for young audiences. The doubling of Nonni's parents as the rival Trolls emphasises the struggle in the boy's mind. It's the kind of richness young audiences deserve and often can relate to, if not as yet articulate.

Andy Brereton's production uses the Minerva space fluently, and among the strong cast Joyce Henderson's active pooch, demanding respect as a working dog and relating much better to Nonni when she receives it, is outstanding. Janie Armour's score makes a considerable contribution to a happy hour in the theatre.

Nonni: Pete Ashmore
Bjartur/Stag/Fire Troll: Tony Bell
Titla: Joyce Henderson
Rosa/Ice Troll: Jacquelyn Hynes
Sheep/Musician: Keith Macpherson

Director: Andy Brereton
Designer: Gary McCann
Lighting: Gerry Amies
Sound: Emma James
Composer: Janie Armour
Movement: Michael Ashcroft

2001-12-26 23:44:26