THE MAGIC BOOK. To 26 November.

Young People

THE MAGIC BOOK
by Nick Fisher

Crucible Theatre Sheffield Education Tour To 27 November 2004 school performances
Runs 55min + workshop
Review: Timothy Ramsden 26 November at Thornhill Primary School Rotherham

A happy hour with a keen, attentive audience: what theatre should be.Nick Fisher's literacy-related play is based on the view that books, and words, are fun and stories adventures to be unlocked. Framing the action is young Ricki, whose mother is too busy to listen and who then meets a Genie. This starts a journey, with audience help in solving riddles and choosing letters that open a door into the wispy wonderland of Alison Heffernan's set, suggesting a magic forest where all the best adventures might happen.

Two familiar tales, enacted with inventive theatricality and humour, keep gruesome elements from their original forms. Red Riding Hood and Gran are consumed by Wolf, and have to tear a way out of his stomach, while Cinders' sole sibling hacks her foot to fit the all-important slipper an early fashion victim left limping on Cinders' broom, with red-stained stocking.

The central story, of an Italian tale of a boy who loved the sea and was sent by the King to search out the ocean floor (in parts of Italy his return is still awaited), provides a contrastingly unfamiliar narrative. Interleaved with these are home scenes, showing Ricki's growing confidence as enthusiasm for stories brings increasing success at school and rejection of TV. Finally, even mum takes notice. New self-confidence is reflected when Ricki finally clasps the staff used by the Genie to summon-up stories.

Mark Stuart Wood has a Wagnerian Wotan-like appearance as Wanderer-Genie, softly spoken and adding strong musical contributions. Rhiannon Meades is adept at a series of instant cameos including Ricki's distracted mum and Riding Hood's perky Gran.

But Ricki's the person whose imaginative responses and experiences link with the audience. Stefanie Moore's bright, lively child catches audience sympathy, becoming the soul of the play in a splendid performance which clearly distinguishes the challenges faced by the story characters and the problems of humdrum daily life.

Karen Simpson's pacy, economical direction always allowing the narratives to breathe. It's a joyous show; the only pity is there's not time to develop the brief workshop session where class members are invited to begin telling a story they choose through suggesting characters and providing dialogue.

Wolf/King Zog/Prince/Genie: Mark Stuart Wood
Ricki/Red Riding Hood/Scally/Cinderella: Stefanie Moore
Ricki's Mum/Grandmother/Fisherwoman/Cinderella's Sister: Rhiannon Meades

Director: Karen Simpson
Designer: Alison Hefferman
Musical Director: Andrew Dodge
Assistant director: Andrew Wilcox
Education Resources: Jacki Rowley, Susan Weaver

2004-11-30 11:09:44