There is a curious lack of children at this hodgepodge of fables and folk tales, and perhaps that accounts for the rather flat atmosphere. Our American high school cast do try, but the whole event lacks the spark of enthusiasm that is the mark of good children’s theatre. The tales presented are often too short and the characters ill defined, with the voice and posture of an “old man” being used in far too many different roles. However, when they get their teeth into longer tales the show improves, with the Elvis impersonating ‘King’ and the ‘Fisherman and the Flounder’ shining through. In the end, though, this performance is just too bitty and dull to really entertain.
theSpaces at Surgeons Hall, 8 – 11 Aug, times vary, £5.00, fpp27.
tw rating 2/5
[ab]
Sections: by Andrew Bell - ED2011 Children's Shows Reviews - tw rating 2/5 | Tags: American High School Theatre Festival, Space Venues
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