Everyone has a soft spot for Coronation Street’s comical Vernon, but Ian Reddington avoids cashing in on TV cuteness to turn in a menacing performance as an oily Fleshcreep.
With his swirling leather coat and streaky dark make-up, he provokes many boos which he clearly relishes.
Pete Hillier, as Jack, is naturally at ease with children. This is apparent during a stage singalong with youngsters from the audience, but he is also revealed as an excellent dancer, singer and comedian in a show that cuts the storyline right down and opts for big number musical sequences, with sparkling choreography, a highly professional ensemble and well-integrated young local dancers.
Dialogue is kept tight, suitable for a young attention span, but abounds in punning humour and contemporary jokes that appeal to adults.
Steve Arnott’s Dame Trot and Charlie Cairoli’s King Crumble work particularly well together in a comical interlude involving a burst balloon bosom and a swallowed musical device. With Hillier, they also raise laughter levels and audience participation during an encounter with Big Bad Rat.
In an effective piece of staging, Giant Blunderbore is spectacularly massive and loudly ferocious.
The only downsides are over-amplification and excessive flashing of lights around the sides and front of the stage.
Production information can change over the run of the show.
Content is copyright © 2012 The Stage Media Company Limited unless otherwise stated.
All RSS feeds are published for personal, non-commercial use. (What’s RSS?)
