Theatre / Reviews
Review: Little Red (& Other Winter Tales), The Weston Studio, Bristol Old Vic – ‘Pure Christmassy magic’
While I can readily accept that I’m an absolute sucker for a Christmas show, I also contend that Little Red (& Other Winter Tales) is a near perfect example of why.
Pitched primarily at 3-7 year olds and their families, writer Florence Espeut-Nickless and director Lisa Gregan are to be applauded for this 50-minute delight at The Weston Studio, which captivates a truly intergenerational audience.
Charming and accessible throughout, its success is elevated by an elegant framing device: each in our trio of fairytales is acted out by three young friends, stargazing and taking it in turns to tell their favourite story.
As well as accentuating the contemporary nature of these retellings (we get references to ‘mum friends’ and work/life balance), we are reminded that this is a thoroughly Bristol setting, with an infectious warmth that I defy you not to feel.
First up, we have Little Red, in which Sasha Frost steps into the role of “Raye, with an e” – energetic, assertive and resplendent in scarlet star-covered cape and holographic DMs.
Guy Hughes is in his element as The Wolf, posing instead as “Giles, the Aqua Aerobics instructor”. Falling prey to this ingenious disguise, Jenny Finn as the unfortunate and charismatic Granny finds herself swimming around a roomy stomach as a (reassuringly whole) chicken and donut zoom past, cleverly brought to life by shadow puppets.
Here, the murkier elements of the fairytale are treated deftly, with flickering lights and sound effects, and the jeopardy dissipates into the liberation and fun that storytelling can unlock.
Led by Finn, The Little Match Girl then begins, opening with a gloriously funny act-out of teenagers in the park, and building into an emotionally raw story of a granddaughter and her much-missed grandfather brought together again.
In terms of a theatrical device, the beautiful simplicity of lighting a match and conjuring a place of sanctuary and magic is hard to beat.
Our third tale, The Red Shoes, centres on Kit, a boy who is grieving his absent mother and struggling with his mental health; freed of his inhibitions only by his imagination, when he dances with her in the stars above.
When faced with a pair of bright red, talking trainers that compel him to dance, Hughes shines in a great song and dance number that enables him to finally overcome his self-consciousness and find solace by diving deep into his own heart and soul.
Replete with light and shade, reflection and acceptance, it’s pure Christmassy magic from a very talented team of cast and creatives. I must also mention Jack Orozco Morrison’s evocative sound, which meshes very effectively with the unfolding stories, Edwina Bridgeman’s smart design, and the significant impact of staging the show in the round – a decision which always adds to the intimacy.
Let’s hope that in Little Red, Bristol Old Vic have a Christmas hit on their hands. “It was amazing; it was the best!” pronounced my six-year old daughter afterwards. “I loved it so much I could burst, and my head could fall off.”
Little Red (& Other Winter Tales) is at The Weston Studio, Bristol Old Vic on December 6-January 11; times vary. Age recommendation is 3-7 years. Tickets are available from www.bristololdvic.org.uk, including ‘Pyjama Nights’ on selected Fridays.
Main photo: Jesutunumidun Adebanjo
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