Scottish Storytelling Centre v30
***** (5 stars)
“Absolutely Fabulous!”
What a brilliant way to start my Fringe!
Judging by the reaction to The Elves and the Shoemaker, Andy and Theatre of Widdershins have produced yet another magical hit – enthralling the youngsters and entertaining the adults who filled the Netherbow Theatre.
Andy’s brilliant with kids [and with their adults], engaging them from the moment they enter the [sold-out] theatre – sorry, shoe shop! Elvis Schumacker the Third offers to measure their feet: no standard sizes here, rather ‘so cool’, ‘rock goddess’, ‘fantastic frog’ and any number of ‘slightly whiffy and three quarters’…. Everyone wants their feet measured, and it takes several increasingly frantic ringings of a bell to drag him away from the excited kids and take centre stage.
When he does, and the lights go down, there’s instant silence, filled with excited anticipation – hardly a peep from anyone but the very tinies, and Andy doesn’t disappoint. From yet another wonderfully inventive, brilliantly designed set, characters emerge and draw us ever deeper into the wonderful world of his grandfather, the first Elvis Schumacher, and his superb [and eco-friendly] shoe shop. It’s an idyllic life, where everyone is happy
UNTIL
An ugly grey factory suddenly appears in the middle of town, belching out smoke and pollution, and engulfing busloads of sad-looking workers who arrive every morning. No-one knows what’s being made – until a strange advert is shown on everyone’s TV. Bunion Soulless urges everyone to buy his shoes – bargain prices, three for two offers, and one size doesn’t fit all…
Grandad can’t compete [familiar, anyone?]
What is he to do?
I don’t want to spoil the surprise – you’ll have to come and find out for yourself: but hurry! If today’s anything to go by, you may find it hard to get a ticket…
The audience, even the tiniest, were held entranced throughout. There’s plenty of opportunity for participation, and everyone joins in enthusiastically providing some of the sound effects. Andy’s incredible imagination and creative craftsmanship provide a feast for the eyes and ears. There are jokes for people of all ages – my favourite has to be the name of the highly exotic not-at-all-a cuckoo cuckoo in the clock. Brilliant puppetry – so many splendid characters, all individuals and excellently created and voiced – and shadowplay, wonderful wordsmithing, fantastic set and props, and even some real magic, are accompanied by a charming musical soundtrack and clever lighting.
Absolutely fabulous!
Don’t miss it!
You’ve only got till 16th….
The Elves and the Shoemaker, The Fringe, Scottish Storytelling Centre Venue 30 for more information and tickets go to: The Elves and the Shoemaker | Edinburgh Festival Fringe
ScotsGay Arts 