The Stage

Whistle Down the Wind

Published Friday 22 January 2010 at 12:40 by Chris High

Entertaining and colourful are just two words that sum up this latest touring production of Whistle Down The Wind. With big sets, big songs and big themes, the show soars when the melodies are flowing but falls a little when it comes to the delivery of the spoken dialogue, which throws the pace almost into reverse at times. What should be a dramatic reveal to the children as to who The Man is presumed to be is lost through an almost shy acceptance by all involved.

A scene from Whistle Down the Wind at the Empire, Liverpool Photo: Keith Pattison

Things do pick up with the almost iconic No Matter What and the out and out rock ‘n’ roller Tire Tracks, giving some much needed impetus to proceedings, while the second half seems to take on a life of its own in the rock opera style that Lloyd Webber became known for.

There’s no doubting Ansell’s singing prowess and this is a vocal performance that earmarks him as a successor to Glenn Carter as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar - to which this show bears a striking resemblance melodically.

Carly Bawden as Swallow is equally as talented, hitting all the right emotional buttons when singing, but again seemingly a little scared of actually acting. There are no such qualms with youngsters Josh Simpson and Charlotte Oldroyd as Poor Baby and Brat, who clearly thrive in the spotlight and turn in fine performances filled with charm.

Overall, this is a good production that only needs someone to tell the adult protagonists they are allowed to act as though they’re caught up in a drama rather than battling against a gale, and so can turn up the oomph just a little.