The Stage

The Ugly Duckling

Published Monday 8 December 2008 at 12:55 by Peta David

Why would you take a child to see a pantomime if you have the option to take them to see such an excellent show such as this one? Travelling Light Theatre Company are experts in their field of children’s entertainment, this particular show for ages three to seven years is perfectly pitched towards a young audience. This is surely children’s theatre at its best - imaginative, funny and poignant. They had their audience captivated from the first line.

Mother duck, played by Nina Wyllie, nurtures her brood of ducklings including the ugly one, played to gormless perfection by Mark Kane. They visit the farmyard animals and all agree that her duckling is very ugly indeed. Simple stage effects are used to conjure up the icy lake where the Ugly Ducking seeks refuge and a flock of swans are cleverly brought to mind with white umbrellas. Musical accompaniment is provided by the very versatile Wayne Walker-Allen.

As with all good fairy tales, it comes with a moral which hints a how unkind people can be if you don’t quite fit the norm. We follow this Ugly Duckling till he finds the place where he belongs. It makes for a very enjoyable experience for all.