Hello theatre fans. I’ve been on my theatrical duties again
last night when I went to the Norwich Theatre Royal to see the touring
production of Running Wild, a fantastic play based on the children’s book by
Michael Morpurgo. I went to see the show with a fairly new friend to my life,
Miss Harriet Darby. Although we were almost late (I made the joke of running
wild and late on Twitter – HAHA!) due to leaving work later than usual we had a
quick microwave tea at mine before driving into Norwich. I have to say we had a
few fits of giggles but why not. Thanks Harriet for joining me last night, I
hope it will not be the last. Running Wild, for those of you that do not know
and want a spoiler, here we go – SPOILER
ALERT – Running Wild is about a young girl named Lilly who loses her father
in the war and mother in a tsunami after they visit her homeland of Indonesia (I
think there may have been some modern tweaks from the book, I have not,
unfortunately, read it). Lilly is saved by Oona, a wild elephant kept captive
(I guess the Indonesian equivalent of a Skegness donkey). Lilly soon realises
she is wild now and has to face some trials and tribulations while ‘Running Wild’,
luckily she has Oona to keep her safe. They soon run into trouble when poachers
are out to get the orangutans and take Lilly too. All the while Lilly’s
grandmother is searching for her and I will leave it there I think. Who knows
how it will end …
I had no idea what to expect before arriving at the theatre
tonight to see this production presented by the Children’s Touring Partnership.
I have to say I was blown away by the wild antics that took place on that
stage. The star of the night for me was Oona, a massive life-like sized elephant
operated by four amazing and talented puppeteers; Elisa de Grey (on trunk),
James Charlton (on head), Michael Peters (on heart) and Wela Mbusi (on hind). These
four were fantastic and created what looked like a real elephant on stage; it
was truly magical. Who knew a grown man could sound like an elephant also.
Lilly was played by Annika Whiston last night; a very enthusiastic talented
young lady who I am sure will be ploughed with jobs in her future. She was
amazing on stage and at the age of 12, well extremely professional. Oona is not
the only animal I mean puppet on stage. There are plenty of orangutans jumping
and swinging all over the stage, plus a scary tiger, a snapping crocodile and a
few glittery fish (I am now quoting Harriet, “I loved the fish”). This was all
so beautiful to watch on stage and bringing the Indonesian rainforest to
Norwich couldn’t have been an easy feat I tell thee. Not only are these puppeteers
controlling and bringing these wild animals to life they are making them call
out to the audience and interact with each other and Lilly; it honestly was
lovely to see.
Samuel Adamson has adapted Morpurgo’s book and boy has he
done an amazing job. Originally starting at the Chichester Festival Theatre (of
course; most of what comes from there is a smash), Running Wild is a wonderful
experience for all ages. I was originally thinking this would be aimed at
children but I actually found the adults more than the children were blown away
by this stunning production and ooooohing and arrrrring away. I spoke to some
of the theatre staff during the interval and discussed how emotional the show
was and I was on the end of my seat at some points, biting at my fingers as not
knowing what was to come next. We said how some all human acting (I basically
mean no puppets) productions cannot create this tension and emotion on stage;
yet the talented production team off stage and the on stage company are able to
bring this book to life and fill the audience with a whole host of emotions
within a short space of time.
Directed by Timothy Sheader and Dale Rooks; Finn Caldwell and
Toby Olie are puppetry designers and directors. Caldwell and Olie should be
award nominated and winners if they aren’t already. It is absolutely incredible
how they have brought these animals to life (I have seen a War Horse and Little
Mermaid credit in the programme so that says it all I guess). Paul Wills’ set
is incredible. Initially I thought what all this rubbish is (literally); but
obviously the tsunami explains it all once it has tour the stage apart. All this
rubbish and destruction (a good thing) also creates the wild rainforest which
is an excellent transition. All of this is helped by James Whitside creative
lighting design. And I know you musical fans are getting worried there is some singing
and chanting and bits a musical theatre fan would like, just a bit sparse. The only
thing to make this production better in mine and Harriet’s point of view would
be more singing. I have to mention Georgina Lamb who is movement director but
as I said in the interval with some people it was more like choreography how
the animals, sorry puppets, move on stage and they are so individual to each
animal, sorry puppet, really capturing how they would be in the wild.
Running Wild is definitely something I would love to see
again and there are chances all this week for you to see it at the NorwichTheatre Royal with 2:30 matinees today and Saturday and evening performances at
7:30; please note on Thursday there is only one performance at 11am.
Tickets are very limited so get yours now. I have to say I think my little
niece would love it and also my grandmother; this is definitely a family show
and everyone who goes, I am sure, will find something they absolutely love
about the show whether it be Oona the elephant, Mani the monkey or the fish
like Harriet. After Norwich, Running Wild is travelling to various places
including: Edinburgh, Newcastle, Plymouth, Northampton, Canterbury and
Wolverhampton. I know it has been to a few places before Norwich and I hope it
goes somewhere near you soon and if it isn’t or hasn’t already maybe this tour
will tour again. Please get in touch and let me know if you like the book, have
seen the stage show or just like puppets. You can find me on Twitter
@AaronBurgess89. See you next week for Sister Act starring Alexandra Burke – so
excited!!!
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