The Adventures of Pinocchio

Published Thursday 27 December 2007 at 15:50 by Kevin Berry

What an inspired and exiting opera this is. Gorgeous characters, a busy story rich in incident and an exhilarating mix of music. Delight follows delight.

Pinocchio might seem a familiar story but this production takes on the darker aspects of Collodi’s original tale, including the moment when Pinocchio is hanged. It will surprise adults who have only seen the Disney version.

Victoria Simmonds is Pinocchio, complete with superbly sculptured kneecaps and elbows and a glorious, growing nose. She is outstanding.

Jonathan Summers is absolutely right as Geppetto, Pinocchio’s maker and father. Playing the Blue Fairy, who acts as a sort of Fairy Godmother, is the exquisitely voiced and perfectly cast Mary Plazas.

The stage is a kaleidoscope of colour and movement, with scene changes bringing murmurs of admiration. Francis O’Connor’s costumes are jolly creations. The Pigeon, complete with flying goggles, sits astride a cute aeroplane and takes Pinocchio aloft. The Big Green Fisherman is a 12 feet tall green puppet. Jeremy Peaker’s loveable Owl Doctor is endearing enough to have been a character in The Wind in the Willows.

Some critics will deem this Pinocchio a half hour too long, but on press night youngsters on booster cushions were transfixed from first to last. It really is that good.