The Twits | Curve Theatre, Leicester.
The Twits
Curve Theatre, Leicester
Curve Theatre, Leicester
★★★★
Roald Dahl is one of the most beloved children's authors of our time. His many stories have been planting seeds in the imaginations of children for over 100 years that it isn't any wonder that theatre adaptions are becoming more popular.
With
the Curve’s 2015 production of Dahl’s, The
Witches receiving high praise, their latest take on the inspiration of
Roald Dahl’s The Twits is no
different. The Twits are perfectly
captured in this new production of the David
Wood’s adaption as the nastiest, ugliest and revolting people we know in
the eyes of rising star Director Max Webster.
This
production of The Twits is in association
with their friends at the Rose Theatre in
Kingston. Before the show opened in Leicester, the team travelled to Hong Kong
where they performed this production to over 6,000 young people and their
families in the Lyric Theatre, one of the East Asia’s leading theatres. Once
this production closes on the 21st January in Leicester, it will be
flying the flag for the theatre as it visits venues across the UK.
Their
caravan is the setting of muck and filth, and their toilet beyond the point of
fit for use. Our Mr and Mrs Twit, Robert
Pickavance and Jo Mousley’s interpretation
is so well done that we can’t wait for them to get stuck into their trick
playing and evil schemes. This distasteful
couple that you’ve come to know from the illustrations and words within the
pages of a book, is captured perfectly and they could not have been better
cast.
Max
Webster’s production has a distinct flair in the telling of this tale
through narrative and music. The production which is aimed for its younger
audience members, didn’t allow the older members to be left behind. It was
enjoyable for everyone to watch. The physical and more interactive elements met
every expectation you would expect. The actors regularly interacted with the
audience, allowing the parents in the audience to interact just as much as the
kids. I think at one point I saw more adult shoes in the air than the kids!
The
Muggle-Wumps, who were an ensemble of four skilful actor-musicians helped to
bring together this performance with their energetic and impressive performance.
Acrobatic Roly-Poly Bird Jack Horner amazed
the audience with his impressive ability to high kick on stilts as he becomes
involved in rescuing the monkey Muggle-Wumps and involved the entire audience
in a participation song!
The Twits was without a doubt a
performance that oozed fun and revolting at its seams. It would make for the
ideal night out at the theatre for you and your family.
Running until 21 January 2017
*I was gifted this ticket in exchange for a review, but all words and opinions are my own.