In this theatrical musical adaptation of the children's book of poetry by Robert MacFarlane and Jackie Morris, 'The Lost Spells' is aimed at families with children upwards of 6 years, and warns us that unless we keep ours eyes open, and care for the nature around us, all of which has its own purpose, both that purpose and nature itself will be lost. If we no longer know the names of things, then does that thing actually exist?
As we took our seats in the auditorium, the open stage showed us a large, looming moon, an array of faux-candles, and in amidst these, a drum kit, a double bass etc. thus giving us a clue as to the style of show. The cast entered the stage, they are animals from the Wild Wood; their costuming minimal, being anthropomorphised and utilising just a sense of colour and ears sticking from a hat. These are actor / musicians, and the overriding force in this musical is the music. It is at the heart and core of the show, and these five performers play an array of instruments between them, as well as sing and act. I found Alex Wingfield's Fox (and his other alter egos) the most engaging actor this evening, whilst Lucy Yates (Woodpecker) was very much at home on a drum kit, and Paula James (Jackdaw) was no stranger to her style of singing / performing. The songs however didn't feel fluid and natural, and some of the lyrics - taken from the poems - felt slightly awkward and patronising to older ears.
Our protagonist - Joy, or The Girl With No Name (Miriam Nyanko) played a convincing 12 -year old girl unsure and not fitting in, in a new town and a new school. When she finds a mysterious Book Of Spells under her pillow however, then her journey of discovery and learning starts.
The show doesn't offer anything much in terms of set change and the show is really quite static; despite the 4 "animals" dashing around energetically as the girl is taken on her journey. A few simple "visual tricks" offer little [moths flying out of the book, a mirror ball, puppet sequence etc], and so the onus is very much on the cast to bring this story to life. Perhaps because of the nature of the narrative, the show is quite disjointed at times, and I was left wondering why those particular poems / spells were chosen over any of the others; but the overall message of caring for our environment was delivered with ease. Maybe because I am an adult, coming at this show from a much more mature perspective, but even this message seemed a little tame in today's society. With Greta Thunberg and Climate Change at the forefront of the world's crises, dandelion clocks and conkers didn't really have much impact.
This was a very energetic and generally up-beat show, and under Andy Barry's direction, the puerile humour and daft physical comedy was loved by the children, and in general, the audience this evening was very positive about the show..
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 27.5.23
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