The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Wardrobe Theatre, Bristol
Pales of water and dancing brooms are replaced by watering cans and illuminated plants in Adam Fuller’s version of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s 1797 poem. And Paul Dukas’s memorable symphonic poem The Sorcerer’s Apprentice written a century later is replaced by 90s beat music in this retro production for families of young children.
Kim Heron as Rose who is sent by mum to water the sorcerer’s plants gets her child’s character just right connecting with the small children in the audience with grimaces, tantrums and devious behaviour. And Tomasin Cuthbert Menes who plays all the other characters as well as controlling the adorable puppet ginger cat worked in unison with Kim in an intricately choreographed play.
For the most part the audience were fully engaged with this updated version of the story although there were some ponderous moments where you wanted the action to speed up such as the overlong Game Boy sequence.
Production values in this joint venture of Soup Soap Theatre and Open Attic Company were high with neatly constructed props and puppets and lighting in particular playing its part in creating mood.
With cat-ology, plant-ology and flower pot-ology given a magical twist, this is an original and highly creative show that captures the everyday angsts and frustrations close to every child’s heart.
Harry Mottram
The show runs to December 31st, 2019, with various performance times.
For more details visit http://thewardrobetheatre.com/
The Wardrobe Theatre is in West Street in Old Market, Bristol.
For more reviews, news and views on theatre and much else visit www.harrymottram.co.uk
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