Yahoo News REVIEW: The Princess and the Pea at New Vic Theatre
The latest family-orientated show at the New Vic Theatre is a reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairytale The Princess and the Pea. This bite-sized piece of theatre, for ‘everyone aged two and up’ is only 50 minutes long, which makes it a perfect introduction to the theatre for very young audience members.
But it’s not just for little ones – the show is a thoroughly entertaining watch for grown-ups too. The Princess and the Pea is a co-production between the New Vic, Unicorn Theatre and leading contemporary circus company Upswing.
We meet a pampered princess in her fairytale castle, with her every whim catered for by her three loyal servants. But her world is turned upside down when she takes a trip outside the castle one stormy night…
The show is a largely non-verbal mash-up of physical comedy and breath-taking acrobatics. Each member of the four-strong cast is absolutely fantastic. Danielle Bird, Nathan Johnston and Robert Penny are the three colourful servants, while Rhiannon Skerritt is the Purple Princess.
To call their performances high-energy would be an understatement. It’s a short show but the action is non-stop and each actor needs to be hugely physically expressive. And that’s before they start throwing themselves around doing acrobatics! Clever sound and lighting design complements a simple but effective set.
When the show first began, I was concerned it might be a bit ‘young’ for my ten-year-old. I was wrong though – he’s been lucky enough to see quite a bit of theatre and told me this production was one of his favourites.
I was completely sold too. As I looked around the auditorium every face, from toddler to grandparent, was absorbed by the magical performance. It’s also very funny and it was lovely to hear all ages in the audience laughing along together.
The Princess and the Pea is a charming, energetic and vibrant gem of a show that’s a joy to watch for all the family. It’s at the New Vic Theatre at Newcastle-under-Lyme until Saturday 29 June. To book click here.
