The Three Billy Goats Gruff… and Other Furry Tales

Published Thursday 16 June 2005 at 16:45 by Sheila Tracey

Excited children, some sitting on the floor close to the action, watch as Andy Lawrence bounds onstage asking questions reminiscent of Listen With Mother.

“Are you sitting comfortably?” “Yes!” chorus dozens of tiny voices. He continues to involve the children throughout, which makes them feel part of the performance.

In front of a background of The Magic Land of Three, the stage is a wooden table on wheels with three large figure three-shaped boxes, each containing props and puppets, which Lawrence works with his fingers as he describes what is happening, firstly to the Three Little Pigs, who light a fire as the wolf climbs down the chimney.

The second box reveals Goldilocks, who runs away into the forest to avoid having her hair washed. The three bears are Lawrence dressed as father bear with mother bear holding baby bear hung around his neck. These are familiar stories but given an imaginative twist.

The third figure three reveals five goats, who all come to a sticky end as they try to cross a river inhabited by a troll, leaving the stage free for the Three Billy Goats Gruff, who, of course, manage to outwit the troll and reach the grass, which is always greener on the other side.

Lawrence and Penny Earey founded Widdershins in 1993 and, with original music by Martin Thornton, have created delightful entertainment for the very young.