WHY THE WHALES CAME. Theatre Alibi tour to 1 December.

Young People

WHY THE WHALES CAME
by Michael Morpugo. Adapted by Greg Banks

Theatre Alibi touring to 1 December 2001
Runs 2hr 5min One interval
Age range 8-13.
Review Timothy Ramsden 11 November at The Bull, Barnet

Enthralling, at times thrilling, adventure story told with deft theatricality. Set on the Scilly Isles, an asteroid-like sprinkling of islands off the south-west English coast, Michael Morpurgo's young people's novel shows childhood friends Gracie and Daniel emerging from the chrysalis of handed-down notions as they explore the mystery of a supposedly dangerous recluse, the Birdman. Exeter's Theatre Alibi creates squealing birds, a dinghy lost in fog and a riotous mob – not to mention a beached whale – through physical means as simple as they are astonishingly effective.

With the Great War on its way to divide Europe, the two make friends with the Birdman, a supposed enemy who is the model of salty benevolence in James Walker's performance. He's old enough to be their grandfather; it's the ages in between that give them trouble, notably Daniel's older brother Big Tim, to whom Derek Frood gives an uncomprehending aggressiveness that causes near-disaster. Then there's the narrow-minded schoolteacher whose method involves finding faults, not searching out strengths. Even Gracie's parents can be inconveniently strict till father goes off to war and mother learns to trust the Birdman.

Over the years Alibi have developed a swift, clear storytelling style for young people. Its focus is in facial expression, which creates intensity of mood in a moment and allows speedy transitions between narration and characterisation. Holly Hutchings' Gracie and Henry Hawkes as Daniel bear the greatest responsibility for this; they do so lightly and with unerringly vivid detail.

Then there's the suggestively marine set, in which a plank placed over a box becomes a wave-tossed dinghy, and a single central structure suggests both upturned boat and the side of a whale. And, vital to the play's impact, the tireless Harry Napier sits at the side, plucking and bowing his 'cello into the sound patterns of waves, the songs of whales and an aural tapestry of the story's many moods.

The production finds moments of humour, including an hilariously zany scene with a revenue officer, and edge of seat tension. It's superbly performed and a triumph for Sainsbury's Checkout Theatre programme which has helped make it available.

Tours to: Komedia Brighton 12-14 November, Half Moon London 15 November, Brewery Arts Centre Kendal 19 November, Arc Stockton-on-Tees 20-22 November, Hawth Crawley 30 November-1 December.

The Birdman: James Walker
Gracie: Holly Hutchings
Daniel: Henry Hawkes
Big Tim/Gracie's Father: Derek Frood
Gracie's Mother/Mr Wellbeloved: Amanda Lawrence
Musician: Harry Napier

Directors: Nikki Sved, Greg Banks
Designer: Dominie Hooper
Lighting: Katie Delaney
Composer/Musical Director: Thomas Johnson

2001-11-12 00:39:02