Writer: Eric Carle
Adaptor/Director: Jonathan Rockefeller
From page to stage, this show brings to life the stories: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Busy Spider and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. It uses wonderful puppetry, lighting and sound techniques that lift the words of Eric Carle right off of the page; it’s the only dialogue in the show. What’s more, it is set upon a white backdrop and the 75 puppets look exactly like the illustrations found in the books. The only thing stopping the audience feeling like they are in the book itself is the fact that the show is not immersive but end on.
The show begins with quick-paced Brown Bear, Brown Bear in which the three actors portray each animal puppet with excellent physicality and voice and audience see an array of puppets which grabs attention. From here, the pace slows a little as it is spoken at a reading pace. The added moments of sound and lighting enhance the storytelling and allow the audience to follow the story well. However, if you are not very familiar with the books, then the pace could be challenging, especially for younger audience members. Nevertheless, there are plenty of opportunities to join in with the dialogue, so get reading those books before you go or like the Caterpillar you could be left “still hungry”.
The much anticipated Very Hungry Caterpillar story is beautifully staged, with the Caterpillar popping through each piece of fruit as he eats it and growing in size before getting in his cocoon and transforming into the butterfly. The flying butterfly puppet is a real ‘wow’ moment as the audience gasps watching it flutter it’s wings. The puppetry is what makes this show one to watch.
Runs until 01 June 2024
The Reviews Hub Score
Wondrous, colourful, warming
