THE UGLY DUCKLING. To 22 December.
Sheffield.
THE UGLY DUCKLING
by Neil Duffield.
Crucible Studio To 22 December 2007.
10.30am & 130pm
Runs 12hr No interval.
TICKETS: 0114 249 6000.
www.sheffieldtheatre.co.uk
Review: Timothy Ramsden 17 December.
A neat and handsome Duckling.
Neil Duffield’s version of Hans Andersen’s story – a popular tale this Christmas - is comparatively brief, suitably for a show that’s toured schools (it’s co-produced by the Crucible and Nottingham Playhouse’s education arm, Roundabout). But script, direction, performances and design tell their story clearly while offering young audiences (the Crucible’s publicity rightly stresses the very young) a substantial dramatic experience.
Looking round at the very young schools’ audience enthroned in the Crucible Studio’s seats, the piece clearly held its viewers throughout. There were moments of huge laughter, while at other times concentration was remarkable. Duffield is, of course, experienced as a playwright for the young. And director Karen Simpson brings a swift, uncluttered telling of the story well-suited to young audiences.
From the moment Andrew Thompson’s unconventional Dudley breaks from the shell of his huge, centre-stage egg, the play is about the contrasting pulls of protecting the young and their need to find their own identity. It’s handled lightly enough, but with a sensitivity that fits a subject which encompasses the experience of growing-up, and whether that takes a positive or destructive line.
As Dudley pokes his face enquiringly around with childlike eagerness and enquiry, he’s secure in the love provided by his mother Dinah (Holly Ashton, aptly sharp in his defence). He believes he’s beautiful because she’s told him so, though others begin chipping away at that confidence. Fionnuala Dorrity’s active raven Kha befriends him, but her talk of the excitement mixed with danger beyond the safely-fenced farmyard, leads Dudley to stray where the wily fox awaits. Dinah and he both tell Dudley he’s so lovely they could eat him, with contrasting motivations.
The pretended affection of the malignly-motivated is incorporated smoothly into the story, while back at the ranch, Liz Jadav’s preening hen, Prima Donna, represents every narrow-minded, self-satisfied suburban snob society can provide in a colourful, comic manner.
Laura McEwen’s transportable set evokes the secure farmyard that contrasts the wild beyond. With its mix of humour and awareness of a young person’s perceptions of the world around them, this is a fine piece for school or studio.
Dinah: Holly Ashton.
Kha the Raven: Fionnuala Dorrity.
Prima Donna: Liz Jadav.
Dudley: Andrew Thompson.
Director: Karen Simpson.
Designer: Laura McEwen.
Lighting: Gary Longfield.
Composer/Music Director: Matt Marks.
Movement: Dominic Leclerc.
2007-12-22 10:44:24