Jessica Harris is enchanted by a Birmingham Rep summer production.
A palpable sense of excitement spread through the Rep’s main house as countless little children waited for the show to start. And the minute Igglepiggle stepped onto the stage, there was a connection between audience and character. To see your favourite TV show turned into a piece of live theatre must be truly thrilling.
Igglepiggle was soon followed by his friends. Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and the Tombliboos were immediately recognised and the enthusiasm of parents was almost a match for that of the children in the auditorium.
Blending puppets with actors in character costumes, and making full use of projection and sound, the production was visually strong and well performed. The main personalities had both a puppet and a human form, the transition between these being used to convey their movement from far off to near. It also provided opportunities for visual jokes as small puppets and human-size performers swapped around.
Puppets themselves were expressive and well-handled, whilst their human versions were captivating and endearing. Children and parents all joined in with their songs – there was clearly a strong bond between them.
The appearance of the Ninky Nonk train, animated birds in the trees and waving branches of the woods added a rich depth to the show. Interaction of characters with each other and with the audience was delivered through physicality and non-verbal expression, and the meaning was as clear as a bell. A narrated voiceover provided added description, although sound quality was somewhat muddy at times.
As in the TV series, the stage production encouraged a sense of inquiry amongst children, whilst communicating a feeling of reassurance. When Igglepiggle heard a noise, he was curious to find out what it was. It led him to his friends, and opened up opportunities for love and affection. At the end of a busy day, the arrival of bedtime was a chance to remind children of the security of familiar routines.
At just under an hour, the show was a little overlong. The audience’s attention seemed to wane around the 45 minute mark, although things were lifted by the appearance of the Pinky Ponk, propellor and all, flying over the stage.
A faithful rendition of the TV series, the stage show was colourful, characterful and charming. It will have created memories for its young and not so young audience alike.
In the Night Garden is at the Rep until 6th September.
For further information visit birmingham-rep.co.uk
