Director: Hal Chambers
Based on folklore, The Holly King and the Oak King transports audiences to a world of infinite summer in the
depths of the festive season. The Oak King has held onto power for too long, and this endless Summer is
getting way too hot. With the guidance and captivating performances of the whole cast, kids are given the
tools and knowledge to bring balance back to the land.
The Holly King and the Oak King shifts gently from room to room with a comforting command of pacing. It’s
also designed to carefully manage stimulation, meaning even particularly shy children are never
overwhelmed. The audience is at the forefront of the action, but involvement is always an invitation and
never forced. Every suggestion is welcomed and integrated with impressive improvisation across the entire
cast. Every cast member plays an animal of various seasons, and their costumes are instantly recognisable,
with some touches of flair, especially in the detail of Winter Revolutionary Squirrel’s tail.
Puppetry is used to great effect, both in very subtly weaving themes of the modern climate crisis into its
folkloric tale and in creating a stunning visual finale. Giggles are elicited across the ages from Shaelee
Rooke’s shadow play and Jack Reilly and Aimee Louise Bevan perform large-scale puppetry with intricate
balance.
This is a work of theatre that understands children’s engagement at various ages at an intuitive level
and adapts accordingly. Its story is perhaps a fraction too simple for older kids, but given the variety of
experiences contained in one hour, even children of disparate ages come away joyful. In part, that is due to
mixing different storytelling techniques with calmer and more activating physical activities. The main creative
activity is held with silent confidence by Bevan, and the more raucous activity is ignited with joy by the
endlessly inviting Reilly. But the success of the show is also down to the immersive set, costumes, and transitions between spaces.
Where panto may occasionally feel like the theatrical equivalent of sticking kids’ TV on, The Holly King and the Oak King feels like taking the kids to visit their favourite aunt and watching them have all the energy in the world to enrich, engage and entertain them for an hour. It’s a joyous performance for a wide variety of ages and should be top of the list for any parent looking for something a bit less traditional this festive season.
Runs until 24 December 2024
The Reviews Hub Score
A seasonal stunner
