This charming retelling of Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s novella is a Christmas treat for young children and their parents reports Steve Davis...
OUR VERDICT
The themes of The Little Prince; love, friendship, loneliness, and the misconceptions that exist between children and adults are as timeless and universal as they were when the work was first published in the 1940s.
If this makes it seem like it might be somewhat serious for a very young audience then it is a tribute to the writer of the piece (Sally Pomme Clayton) and the cast that the performance remains age-appropriate.
The performers are talented and enthusiastic. Comfort Fabian as the Little Prince, Vera Chok as the Pilot, the Bird and particularly the Fox and Royce Cronin as the Rose, the Snake, the Geographer and many more characters are all delivered with exuberance and commitment that never lets the show flag.
While the younger members of the audience can find a lot to enjoy in the story and the performances (loudly breaking wind will normally elicit a laugh from most 4-year-olds) there is much for the more mature spectator to admire.
The lighting design (by Rachel Sampley) particularly when the Pilot is drawing, is very clever. The puppetry (designed by Sophia Pardon and operated by the cast) is well done. The sound (music composed by Lillian Henley, Musical Director Jack Benjamin and Sound Design by Jon McLeod) is always apposite, particularly during the interplanetary journeys. The choreography (by Annie-Lunnette Deakin-Foster) is pleasing, especially the ‘Rose Dance’ and the entirety is pulled together by the sure-footed direction of Marie McCarthy.
Dan Tsantilis
The LIttle Prince
Omnibus Theatre Clapham
Because of the age of the work (over 75 years now), this could have felt somewhat outdated for a modern audience but the skill of the cast and production team meant it felt vibrant and fun and the cosy nature of the Omnibus Theatre was a perfect space for families to be entertained by the piece.
At this particular showing, the audience enjoyment didn’t stop at the final curtain.
Everybody was invited into the Common Room to witness a model (6 foot long with a 6-foot wingspan) of the propeller plane that the Pilot flew constructed entirely out of cake! This massive baked aircraft was designed and made by Anne and Robert of Anne’s Designer Cakes and caused much excitement among the young viewers who were treated to a generous slice of the fuselage.
It must be said that this reviewer also enjoyed its spongey delights but has doubts that it will be offered to the audience at every performance.
Upcoming Shows and Times: Sunday 8th December – Monday 30th December (not 9th, 16th or 25th) at 10.30 am & 1.30 pm weekdays and 11.00 am and 2.00 pm at weekends.
