West Yorkshire Playhouse, Wednesday, 2nd November 2016.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
O Kneehigh, what a wonder you are!
Adapted from Michael Morpurgo’s children’s book by Emma Rice and Morpurgo himself, Kneehigh’s ‘946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips’ is a hilarious, moving and thoroughly enchanting story of worlds colliding and the strength of human relationships. It’s also a tale based on history, both political and personal, with family and friendships at the very centre (furry family members included, of course).
In true Kneehigh fashion, the challenges presented by such an ambitious production seem to have been greeted with relish and innovation, gifting us with some stunning visuals and creativity. Chickens, dogs, sheep and cats? No problem. Motorbikes, cars, tractors, bicycles aircrafts and huge naval ships? Sure thing! Kneehigh really do make the possibilities seem endless.
Lez Brotherston’s set allows for a Mary Poppins approach; anything, any shape, any size and from any direction – and set design also allows for a rare opportunity to see the live band as a constant atop the main stage space in a barn/loft space. Spectacle continues with puppetry, which is very charming and moving in this production – all credit to puppet makers Lyndie Wright and Sarah Wright (also Puppet Director). I was completely taken with the puppets and the use of mini versions of characters just before the entrance of the ‘real ones’ is a very clever way of reminding the audience of the wonders of childhood imaginings.
The cast are also superb. With plenty of quick changes, dancing, singing and the playing of instruments, the stage is positively awash with talent. Katy Owen leads with a portrayal of the exuberant, feisty young girl Lily Tregenza which is perfection. There have of course been excellent portrayals of children before, but I’ve never seen an actor embody the mannerisms and the very essence of unpredictable, erratic youth so well. The inability to control her facial expressions, her flailing runs and her tendency to let her legs and/or feet act separately to the rest of her body are of course minute in action but carry great weight and authenticity. Through all the awkwardness, the ferocious shouts, the coyness and the hurt, Owen is just fantastic in the role.
And Chris Jared proves himself a great chameleon, playing all sorts of roles but most memorably as the skipping Hitler, played with expert restraint. Mike Shepherd is thoroughly fantastic as the gutsy grandma, the stoic grandad and the adorable schoolboy (whose attempted escape is a real comic highlight). Adam Sopp as Boowie and Barry and Ewan Wardrop as Mrs Turner, Lord Something-or-other and Chamberlain are equally impressive in their ability to have the entire audience laughing as one voice.
Particularly moving are the performances of Ncuti Gatwa and Nandi Bhebhe, playing Adi and Harry respectively. They are introduced as a dapper, jolly GI duo before being torn apart in the most heartbreaking moments of the show. Harry’s subsequent song (Composer- Stu Barker) had those around me audibly sniffing. And somehow, from that sobering narrative of just what happened to 946 soldiers, we move to more laughs and a positively joyous finale; a skilful shift that is beautifully done.
As a story which boasts so much charm and heartbreak and fun in one package, this is a gorgeous production well worth a trip.
Always Time For Theatre 