Lose The Path, Find Your Way by Cracking Slate Productions Review
Written by Cathie for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Lose The Path, Find Your Way is an interactive theatrical experience created by Cracking Slate Productions. When Sam follows his lost football into the woods, danger and adventure await. Director Emily Haldane, along with writer and producer Josh Lewis, has created a wonderfully engaging theatrical adventure for children to explore the big mystery of believing in oneself.
The storyline is fondly nostalgic and reminds me of the great 80s classics, including The Neverending Story, Willow, and Beatrix Potter, as we see Sam go on a mysterious journey through a crack in the fence to find his lost football, only to find much more than he bargained for. The themes of finding courage for yourself, taking responsibility, and believing in your own decisions and not letting fear rule you are beautifully illustrated. There are lots of interactive moments, similar to the choose your own story genre of games in the 80s and 90s, where the audience can vote on what the characters do. This is inclusive with many non-verbal options to vote, and ideas from children and adults are equally welcomed. There are also several opportunities for audience members to come on stage at key points to move the plot forward.
The actors were wonderful in their interactions with the audience, showing particular care and inclusivity toward those who were shy or had difficulty communicating verbally. Emily Haldane was fantastic as the adventurous Malaya, lost in the woods. Adi Roy Bhattacharya was phenomenal as Sam, the shy and indecisive child searching for his lost football — his nuanced character arc was subtly and delightfully delivered. Lily Bailes was brilliant as the villain Akir, offering a deliciously unrepentant performance that never tipped into pantomime. The use of puppetry throughout the show was spectacular — engaging, creative, and extremely child-friendly.
The set, designed by Mikayla Teodoro, is simple but highly effective. It uses a variety of painted trees and bushes, as well as some softer cushioned cubes, to create a variety of different forest trees, clearings, and mountains to climb. It is a very inviting set and the sensory elements are very well suited to this production. Musical supervisor Innes Yellowlees has created a whimsical soundtrack that is similar to Studio Ghibli in its emotional influence on the audience. The 1-hour running time works perfectly to engage young children at a gently increased pace without overwhelming them.
This is a truly delightful production that I would wholeheartedly recommend as a gentle introduction for young children between 5 - 11. It is fresh, fun theatre which will leave a creative sparkle in your children and a spring in your step when you leave, filled with confidence and laughter. If you wish for a fun, interactive, theatrical experience for your family, strong storylines and brilliant themes, then this is the show for you.
★★★★
