THE CROWSTARVER. To 27 May.

Exeter/Tour

THE CROWSTARVER
based on the book by Dick King-Smith, adapted by Daniel Jamieson

Theatre Alibi Tour to 27 May 2006
Runs 2hr 20min One interval
Review: Hazel Brown 4 March at Northcott Theatre, Exeter

Truly touching, unsentimental and inventive theatre for young people of all ages
This production, aimed principally at 8-13 year olds, is so inventive and touching it should be seen by everyone who loves theatre, and will convert those who think the form has little to offer today. Daniel Jamieson has turned Dick King-Smith’s award-winning book into a wondrous stage piece, combining superb acting, brilliant puppets and live music that underscores and defines the action perfectly.

The Crowstarver is Spider, a foundling child cared for by a farming family between the wars. The story follows his short, but happy life. Nicknamed Spider because of his way of getting about as a young child, he is different from his peers, but develops a talent for talking to and taming animals, eventually findng employment scaring crows off the crops.

All the characters and several animals are played by the five strong cast – from Spider himself, his adoptive parents the Sparrows, the farmer and the landowner, to the family dog Meg and the horses. Hares, lambs and a vixen with cubs who cross Spider’s path are beautifully made and articulated puppets, which draw oohs and aahs of appreciation from the whole audience.

Tough issues are tackled, from bullying to acceptance of people with special needs. Death in many guises, from hunting to loss in war, is dealt with in unsentimental, but moving detail. Gentle humour leavens the play throughout Nikki Sved’s production, especially when the actors portray the animals. As with other Alibi productions, the set, by Stuart Nunn, is simple, adapting and transforming into many different settings by the simple opening of traps or fixing of doors.

Finally the music is beautiful, composer Thomas Johnson underscoring the action with feeling so the score seems improvised to suit the action on stage rather than formulaic. And it is thrilling to have live musicians on stage.

I was so deeply moved by this production I had to hurry out to my car so I could sit and cry without embarrassing myself in front of the appreciative audience. This is quality theatre for the young that should not be missed by older audiences of any age.

Tom Sparrow: Chris Bianchi
Kathie Sparrow: Jordan Whyte
Percy Pound: Derek Frood
Spider Sparow: Tom Wainwright
Mrs Yorke: Cerianne Roberts

Pianist Ruby Aspinall
Violinist Ros Stephen/Thomas Johnson

Director: Nikki Sved
Designer: Stuart Nunn
Lighting: Marcus Bartlett
Composer/Musical Director: Thomas Johnson
Assistant designer: Trina Bramman

2006-03-23 09:20:30