PINOCCHIO. To 24 August.
Edinburgh - Fringe
PINOCCHIO
Indefinite Articles theatre company at C venue, Chambers Street To 24 August 2003
10.15am
Run 1hr No interval
TICKETS: 0870 701 5105
Review: Timothy Ramsden 18 August
Ambling narrative but inventive use of objects in the storytelling.It takes some time for the story to come our way. And Steve Tiplady's opening chat to the young, while amiable enough, could benefit from more focus - if you're going to invite answers, make sure you let the audience know you want them and give them time to gain the confidence to provide them. And make sure you don't focus increasingly on the front row centre or the first couple of voices to call out.
This isn't the most searching account of Carlo Collodi's story there's been. Tiplady is a pleasant and efficient performer but there's little character dynamic. The Lampwick epsiode is omitted - no fatal loss - and the moral about good behaviour veers towards moralistic statement rather than dramatic showing.
More surprising, considering Indefinite Article's definite success is precisely with articles, it's surprising more isn't made of the famous nose that extends when young pine-eyes tells lies.
But the hour's distinguished by the inventive use of apparent rubbish from Geppetto's work-stall. Pinocchio really seems to be carved out of a log. At least, his head does; then, with material magic, assorted scrap is re-assembled to make a disproportioned but oddly convincing little creature.
Later, projections create the submarine re-union of father and son. Again, everyday objects are used inventively and make for imaginative stimulation.
The idea of Pinocchio being forced to wear cosmetics and fake nose by the impresario with whose circus he runs away from school, constitutes a 'safe' metaphor for a child's misery at inappropriate or abusive treatment. There's a sense too of natural feelings being liberated when Geppetto and Pinocchio find each other.
But it's the creative use of everyday objects that makes the strongest case for this piece. Plus Steve Kettley's supportive musical contributions, stroking cymbals and catching moods melancholy or perky on clarinet.
Geppetto: Steve Tiplady
Stephano: Steve Kettley
2003-08-19 21:45:28