Pinocchio at The Globe Theatre Review
Pinocchio at The Globe - Image by Johan Persson
Written by Eleanor B for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Firstly, The Globe Theatre is such a fantastic venue. It feels unique and cosy, and this was my first visit, which made it an even better place to experience this wonderful show.
As the performance begins, we meet the Carpenter (Michael Elcock), who greets the audience as if we are part of the community. This sense of inclusion runs throughout the show, with the space itself creating an almost fourth-wall feel. Warm greetings of “Ciao!” ripple between the audience and cast, gently rooting the story in its original Italian heritage.
We then meet Gepetto (Nick Holder), an outcast in the town, who is trying to introduce people to his latest invention, a horse and cart without the cart. Often overlooked, and inspired by Franzini’s Puppet Show, an annually returning travelling production that performs the same Romeo and Juliet every year, he creates Pinocchio from an enchanted piece of wood gifted by the Carpenter, who seems quite eager to pass it on.
Pinocchio is voiced by Lee Braithwaite and beautifully puppeteered by Braithwaite, Andrea Sadler and Aya Nakamura. Together they bring this wooden boy to life with real charm and a sense of childlike wonder. Their work is so seamless that there are moments where you genuinely forget he is a puppet, especially during the scene where he discovers running, shouting “FAST IS FUN!” as he whizzes excitedly around the stage.
One moment that brought a big laugh comes when Franzini (Ed Gaughan), the famed puppet master, meets Pinocchio for the first time. As he questions whether the puppet can truly move on his own, the puppeteers simply duck out of sight as Franzini walks around them.
A standout element of the show for me was Steven Webb’s characters, Giacomo Cricket and later the Coachman. He gives the Cricket a wonderfully camp energy before shifting into a genuinely unsettling presence as the Coachman, reminiscent of the Child Catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. In true Globe style, the performance spills into the audience, and at one point he even weaves through the standing crowd. Watching from above was hilarious, especially as parents gently lifted startled children out of his path.
Although it’s a little bit of a spoiler, the alternating actors that play Pinocchio’s human form at the end of the show are just fantastic. Ethan Bruce-Konuah, making his professional debut, and Asa Jones truly bring the character to life.
The rest of the company, including Jennifer Caldwell, Kerry Frampton, Jamal Franklin, Lizzy Ives, Lucy McCormick, Stan Middleton and Kody Mortimer, each bring something special to the stage, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere from start to finish. It is clear that Charlie Josephine (Book and Lyrics), Sean Holmes (Director) and Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu (Choreographer) have crafted a production full of personality and heart. The musicians, including Benjamin Holder (Musical Director and Piano), Ewan Beach (Clarinet and Saxophone), Myra Brownbridge (Double Bass), Charlie Laffer (Guitar) and Saleem Raman (Percussion), are positioned on a balcony above the action, adding an extra visual layer as their performances catch your eye throughout.
This is a fantastic show, perfect for the whole family, with jokes that land for all ages. Running until January 4th, it is a brilliant festive outing. Just remember to bring a coat if you are standing, as the Globe’s open roof can make things a little soggy if it’s raining!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
