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Rating Guide
None = Unmissable
= Unwatchable
Page number refers to the Fringe programme
Not Now Bernard & Other Monster
Stories. (Page 12).
Drams .
That's tankards of cherryade
Venue C, Chambers Street. (Venue 34).
Address Chambers Street.
Reviewer Guy Woodward.
Based on David McKee’s hugely popular series of picture books, this lively and
colourful blast of a production will surely prove to be a juicy lunchtime treat
for anyone between the ages of three and seven, not to mention their mums and
dads.
A subversive exploration of parent and child relationships, seen through the eyes
of the nameless Child, Sarah Niven, who has the mysterious ability to assume
other characters, it has a gallimaufry of winning ingredients, including monsters,
mess, loud noises, catchphrases, mess, insults and lots more mess. By the end
of the show the impressive minimalist set is strewn with numerous bits of old
nonsense, not to mention multicoloured lashings of paint, and the play is in part
at least a celebration of the childhood glory of making a mess.
Messy the stage may be, but as a performance the production is tight and focused,
though there is a slightly patronising tone. Niven
is especially adept at conveying the wide eyed fear and excitement of her various
young characters, and Mark Huckett as her father brings some much needed
dry wit to the proceedings. Carlton Edwards’ original score, which skilfully
incorporates sound effects from the story, also deserves an iced bun and a lolly.
The real stars of the show are the monsters, however, who need to be experienced
in person to be truly appreciated and feared.
©Guy Woodward 3 August 2005 – Published on EdinburghGuide.com
Runs to 29 August at 12.30 every day except 14.
Company- New Perspectives Theatre Company.
Company Website
www.newperspectives.co.uk
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