Touched Theatre in association with Manchester's premier children's theatre venue, Z-Arts, have produced an absolutely wonderful piece of calming, absorbing, and magical entertainment for their target age-group of 2 - 4 year olds.
With a running time of 45 minutes, and a production which had us all (grown-ups too) enthralled, it is easily one of the best pieces of theatre for this age group this particular reviewer has ever seen.
Z-Arts' main theatre space was used, and as we walked into the space, it was clear that this was going to be something special. Creative and clever lighting showed us a set of planets and the interior of a spaceship, whilst large mats in areas over the floor had been laid with cushions for each family or group to enjoy the show together, in the style of a picnic. Behind these and more separately-laid soft boxes and cushions for other families, and further back still, a few chairs for us oldies who had just come without any tiny tots in tow. These areas were lit in pools of light, and soft, soothing background music was playing. I have never before been in a room with so many toddlers for so long, and had them all so quiet and attentive. Perhaps Kindergarten teachers need to take note...!
The story concerns a rather diligent but unsuccessful astronaut, Noli, whose job it seems it to try and grow plants in space. He is having absolutely no success with this however, and so a friendly nearby planet sends him a gift, the gift turns out to be a helpful, and green-fingered, if not a little mischievous robot called Zee, and the two form an unlikely friendship.
With minimal speaking, and some very clever and well-managed audience interaction, this was a sensory tale suitable for even the most difficult or challenging of toddler. The company take you on a journey into space at Christmastime, and tell a simple but heartwarming adventure tale of friendship and co-operation, through soft furnishings, puppetry, a 'video' screen, lights and sound.
As well as watching the performance this afternoon, I kept one eye on the target audience to gauge their reactions, and they were delighted and enwrapped by it all. Simply magical.
As well as watching the performance this afternoon, I kept one eye on the target audience to gauge their reactions, and they were delighted and enwrapped by it all. Simply magical.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 21.12.21
Amazing review!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see it. When's it coming to Brighton?