The very nature of the Chickenshed is ‘inclusive’ and with its production of Pinocchio that all-embracing, welcoming, friendly ethos shone through, as a cast of 200 worked together to produce a fun, energetic and magical show.
Adapted by David Carey from Carlo Collodi’s classic tale of the puppet who wanted to be a real boy, the production’s strength lies in its numbers, as groups of skillful actors portray marionettes, fairies, fish, doctors and school boys, in colourful, creatively choreographed scenes. Of course, no production can rely solely on numbers, and Gavin May, with his cheeky appeal, is far from wooden as Pinocchio. His portrayal of a petulant, curious little boy is endearing as his stiff puppet movements are applaudable.
A fast-paced, action-packed show, Chickenshed enlisted the help of a professional circus school to create “the greatest puppet show on earth”, and it paid dividends, as one of the most impressive scenes takes place at a marionette show, with the actors-cum-puppets swirling and twirling in unison without a string in sight.
Gavin’s agile, gravity defying stunts as he ducks and dives his way out of trouble also have the touch of circus about them, while The Fairy with The Blue Hair (Dina Williams), who Pinocchio meets in the enchanted forest, works her magic with a hoop.
Pinocchio’s conscience in the form of the very street, very laid-back Talking Cricket, played by Michael Bossisse, also adds to the spectacular as he bounds across the stage on his flyjumpers (flexible stilts). And the dazzling world under the sea is another triumph of stagecraft and performance, as Pinocchio goes in search of his father Geppetto (Iain Whitemore) on his journey to learn what it is to have the heart and soul of a human.
With the Chickenshed famed for its music, the energetic soundtrack married perfectly with the plot, with catchy tunes such as the big chorus numbers Catch Him If You Can and Sugar and Spice adding to the vibrant, lively feel of the show.
While it might not have the audience participation of a typical panto, the Chickenshed’s wonderfully surreal version of this heart-warming tale certainly had the younger (and older) audience squealing with delight, cooing in awe and cheering with joy.
Pinocchio runs in The Rayne Theatre, at Chickenshed, Southgate, until Saturday, January 16. Tickets: 020 8292 9222, www.chickenshed.org.uk (£12-£19.50)
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