It may have been raining non stop Tuesday but with the children off school but we did not let it dampen our day out we had planned.
Myself, husband and 2 youngest children had a lovely day shopping, we stopped by our favourite all you can eat buffet restaurant for something nice to eat then finished the day off, going to see a play - Grandpa in my pocket at the Nottingham Playhouse.
Before we went to see the show we were all chatting away and looking forward to show when both of my children said at the same time " how will grandpa shrink?"
About Grandpa in my pocket show:
Grandpa in my Pocket – Teamwork! is back! The stage version of the hugely popular CBeebies television series returns to the Playhouse before it heads off on a nationwide tour.
Sunnysands Pirate, Horatio Heave Ho takes Jason and Jemima on a pirate adventure in search of treasure. But when things go wrong, it’s time for Grandpa to put on his Shrinking Cap and save the day. It’s Teamwork!
Cast:
Jemima/Miss Smiley Ebony Feare
Mum/Great Aunt Loretta Lizzie Franks
Jason Mason Javan Hughes
Grandpa/Mr Whoops Robin Simpson
Horatio Dale Superville
Dad/Mr Mentor/Mr Liker Biker Sam Worboys
Creative Team:
Director Rosamunde Hutt
Designer Nettie Scriven
Lighting Designer Arnim Friess
Composer and Musical Director Kate Edgar
Musical Arranger Matthew Dilley
Puppetry Director Roman Stefanski
Movement Director Lawrence Evans
Sound Designer Drew Baumohl
What we thought of the show:
It was the first time at the playhouse for all of us. A lovely venue with a good seating layout, a good view of the stage with the audio crisp and clear throughout. The stage was set with three beach huts and a lighthouse, we sat in anticipation, now on with show!
A cast of six actors taking up numerous characters from the TV show, with quick costume changes throughout. They use a variety of props during the show, all working extremely well adapting the script wonderfully to work on a small stage. The audience interaction was excellent, giving you a sense that you were part of the show, not simply watching it.
The story which was at times very panto (a good thing) was briefly about being at the seaside exploring for treasure on a far off island, getting trapped then grandpa saving the day.
Although that brief synopsis does not do the show justice. With great music and a fast moving script there was never a dull moment, although the whole cast was excellent particular mention should go to Javan Hughes who although playing a child as an adult, had a fresh faced innocence rarely seen these days. Also Lizzie Franks who in her duel role was always a joy to watch, with Great Aunt Loretta being our families favourite. ( Although no one wanted to sample her cooking skills) !!
Finally onto my children's question before we went into the theatre "how will grandpa shrink".
(SPOILERS)
From full size the great Robin Simpson to backpack size a miniature puppet, the designer came up with a series of puppets of various sizes simulating the shrinking of Grandpa. All done without seeing more than one size at any one time. No easy feat. It was simple yet effective with the puppeting skills of Javan and Sam Worboys being fantastic.
Overall then, a smashing evening out, we as a whole family could not recommend this show enough. My 10 year old son even said he would like to see it again, something I was not expecting before we went.
Great story, brilliant interaction, lovely sets and a smashing cast, what's not to like??
5 out of 5 from the whole of my family...
About this review- we were given a family pass free of charge to review the show, we were not paid for this review and all opinions are our own.
