THE BORROWERS : Norton: Haymarket Theatre Basingstoke to 6th January 2007

The Borrowers by Mary Norton, adapted by Charles Way
Runs Wednesday 6th December 2006 to Saturday 6th January 2007. Times vary
Review: Mark Courtice: 4 January 2007

A fine fantasy for Christmas is a quality send off.

For a company facing extinction as its theatre closes, the choice of this slice of whimsy is rather apt. Norton's family, the Clocks, are minute and live under the floorboards, surviving by 'borrowing' from the big world above. The drama comes as they are evicted through ignorance and malice and have to find a new home.

Director John Adams and team have created a splendid picture of the two worlds. Clever puppetry, a set which moves easily from small to large and a consistency of playing from effective actors mean that we completely engaged in the struggle between the good (both large and small) and the oafish (large).

The central thought that drives the drama - borrower daughter Arietty is excited by the possibilities of the great wide world; her parents prefer the warmth and safety of below the boards - is well told. Outside is first beguiling and then cold in Judith Croft's sets and Tony Hasnath makes free spirit Spiller attractively vigorous and exciting.

The performances from a cast that combine experience and youth are full of energy and commitment. At the end, rather as an afterthought, they also prove they can sing beautifully too. Clare Fraenkel's Arietty manages to be youthful without being patronising. Genevieve Walsh makes Mrs. Driver horrid and oafish while still reminding you that you can meet someone just like her in Basingstoke or Brighton any day.

This is a good alternative to the general run of pantos. Although set in 1899 it was written in 1952, both times when a lot was changing. As a message of reassurance from two bygone ages it is a clever choice for our own. It is also a challenge to the new management of the Haymarket - this is quality work honestly done.

Arietty Clare Fraenkel
Pod John Webb
Homily Katerina Jugati
The Boy William Gregory
Mrs Driver Genevieve Walsh
Crampfurl Nicholas Lumley
Spiller/Gypsy Boy Tony Hasnath
Other parts by cast and Kerrie Driscoll

Director John Adams
Designer Judith Croft
Lighting Design Simon Hutchings
Puppet Director Ronnie Le Drew
Puppets made by Treasure Trove Puppet Company

2007-01-08 14:09:43