Show: The First Hippo on the Moon
Society: Churchill Theatre Bromley (professional)
Venue: Churchill Theatre Bromley
Credits: By David Walliams. Adapted and produced by Les Enfants Terribles and Les Petits' Artistic Director Oliver Lansley.
Type: Sardines
Performance Date: 02/05/2017
The First Hippo on the Moon
Paul Johnson | 03 May 2017 21:48pm
Photo: The Other Richard
A big fan of David Walliams and, having enjoyed Gangsta Granny immensely (several times), I was interested to see how Les Petits Theatre handled one of his picture books. Aimed at wriggly pre-schoolers that, on the whole, cannot last a full-length show (Mini Sardines is obviously an exception to this stereotype with the frequency he attends productions!), theatre companies are still tasked with giving the parents value for money. As with many stage adaptations, there are numerous addendum. And in this show it’s absolute poo. Quite literally.
The First Hippo on The Moon tells the jolly story of Sheila and her dreaming big, or rather far, as far as the moon. Walliams’ dry wit even transcends writing for people under 3 feet tall, however the production company have also added in a sprinkling of very mature jokes, presumably for the grown-ups. Funnily enough, in extending the story, there is a now greater foray into the moralistic side of the tale. Theatre is entertainment but it is also a teacher, so this represents a positive move. The extraneous excrement, whilst not necessarily to my adult tastes, had the important audience members laughing with wild abandon. Target met.
The show itself is very clever. A team of jungle-themed puppeteers manipulate a raft of cheeky, amiable characters that inhabit Sheila’s jungle, bringing them to life through voice and movement. Sheila herself is the only skin character and, due to her comparative size, this is an effective casting decision. Manipulatable sets offer further jungle-seeped magic. For a story that needs to reach the moon, again quite literally, the show does well to present various settings.
Whilst not my all-time favourite children’s show, its merits are strong and for any fan of hippos, the moon or David Walliams, it is a definite must-see show. Mini Sardines is the real critic of course and he couldn’t stop talking about it all the way home. We had prepped him by reading the story beforehand, which I heartily recommend, as his excitement as his favourite bits unfolded onstage was tangible. Have a blast (off) at this fun space jaunt.
On tour until 13 July 2017
lespetitstheatre.com/shows/david-walliams-the-first-hippo-on-the-moon
Photo: The Other Richard
- : admin
- : 02/05/2017