The Stage

Rudolf

Published Tuesday 6 December 2011 at 16:24 by Gareth K Vile

Rudolf is a far remove from The Arches’ usual experimental fare. Making use of a versatile set, designed by Clare Halleran, and the impressive storytelling skills of the two performers, Ross Allan and Rob Evans, it addresses the preschool audience directly and confidently, bringing the well-known Christmas story to vivid life.

A scene from Rudolph at the Arches, Glasgow

By introducing the actors before getting stuck into Rudolf’s adventures, the production ensures that the children are comfortable with the sudden changes of character. Without too much audience interaction, Allan and Evans win the children’s confidence and unfold Rudolf’s journey to fame rapidly.

The addition of the Ugly Duckling as Rudolf’s only friend conjures a sense of magical universe, where fairytales happen and dreams can come true. And aside from a brief dance-along, and a cheerful whistling song, the story relies on the two actors’ charisma and verve.

There is, of course, a moral to the tale, but this is not laboured - Rudolf is a fun romp through the joys of Christmas, with a few clean, witty asides for the parents. Created by Allan and Evans in collaboration with Andy Manley - currently touring the world with his hugely successful White - it is a sweet, good-hearted slice of seasonal warmth.