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| Edinburgh : A&E : Theatre: Reviews |
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Theatre listings > Le Tour De France
- Tour & Scottish Premiere . Théâtre Sans Fontières are a kind of Impossible Missions Force for the under 10s. In this production, Le Tour de France, the red jump-suited trio are called in to retrieve three stolen jerseys (the famous Tour de France jerseys) from the evil Fantôme Cycliste. Aimed at a generation who have grown up with the larger than life peril of Pixar and Potter, the production is missing that certain edge of danger, but what it lacks in the fear factor it makes up for in warmth. The three performers are amiable and committed, inviting involvement and participation as soon as they step on stage. John Cobb gives an especially engaging performance, employing his bendy physicality to great effect. Where this production really succeeds is in its skilful use of video projection. The set, costumes and props are all ingenious and inventive but fairly basic. However, the design is happily dominated by a large video screen on to which is projected backdrops, locations, interludes and other characters. Demonstrating all the real advantages of 'multi media' theatre, the company manages to create a sense of changing space and movement. Another strength of this production is its unabashed educational value. Much of the story is told in French and the audience are encouraged to learn and speak some of the words that are introduced. The show is also peppered with songs in French which, while never threatening to set the world of musical theatre alight, are all jolly and catchy and easy to pick up. Although Le Tour de France is engaging and enjoyable, it is perhaps slightly
overlong - the children in the audience all seemed to be having a ball
- but the fidget factor began to creep in towards the end. Otherwise it
is an entertaining and educational outing, well worth a look. Cast:Jack - John Cobb, Kent - Ken Patterson, Sarah - Sarah Kemp, Le Fantôme Cycliste - Andrew Turnbull (on stage) Ken Patterson & Duncan Cave (on film), Madame Blanc - Marie-Élizabeth Cornet, Lady in Château - Sophie Milon, Skier - Mélanie Baxter-Jones, Commentator - Chris McConway, Guest Appearance - Alain Goma. All other characters on film played by themselves: Jean and Micheline
Chinier; Roland Villneau; Alain Suzet-Michaud; staff and pupils of École
du Parc, Guigneville. Theatre listings >
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