Family Fun
In The Park
Mr Stink
Jesmond Dene
Until 21st June
2015.
The
beautiful setting of Jesmond Dene was the venue for the outdoor performance by
Heartbreak Productions of David Walliams’s Mr
Stink. The outdoor season begins with
this firm family favourite about 12 year old Chloe, who is finding her place in
the world.
The
venue is set up with a spot for picnics and small people on rugs near the
stage, a place for people to put their camping seats in the middle and covered
seating area at the back. Everyone ends up with a good view of the raised
stage. The sound is amplified subtly so
everyone is able to hear. All you then need is a warm evening and you’ll be
ready for a great night out with the family.
The
show opens with the popular daughter Annabelle Crumb (Abigail Lamb) welcoming
everyone to her birthday party. The audience are invited to sing happy birthday
in the first of several chances for audience participation which seems to go
well with both parents and the younger crowd.
It
is clear from the gifts and comments from mother Mrs Crumb (Lily Carrie) that
Annabelle is the popular daughter compared to Chloe (Samantha Dart). Poor Chloe
is a creative person who writes stories and keeps a diary which she wants to
share but her unsympathetic Mother doesn’t want to hear. Only her Dad (Danny Milwain) encourages her.
The
audience are sent back in time to the start of Chloe’s diary and her first
encounter with the tramp who calls himself Mr Stink (Howard Scott Walker).
Despite his odour Chloe quickly strikes up a friendship with Mr Stink as he
doesn’t talk down to her. Mr Stink
eventually moves into the Crumb’s shed, but only Chloe knows about it.
Some
politics does play a part in the story as Mrs Crumb stands for election off the
back of some funny policies. The only
trouble is you could imagine some political parties actually wanting to adopt
them.
There
is also some social commentary about the reasons behind homelessness and the
general public’s attitude to it, though it remains light-hearted.
The
production, directed by Peter Mimmack, retains the funny elements of David Walliams
original book. The real strength is in
the acting which kept the attention of the younger members of the
audience. From the delightful interplay
between Chloe, her Dad and Mr Stink to the slightly over the top mother and
sister, the story was wonderfully staged.
The
musical numbers, with support from members of the Gosforth Community Choir,
fitted into the story well.
The
story reflects well the insecurities of life for a 12 year old trying to make
sense of the relationships with everyone that she meets. As Mr Stink says “A
bully can only make you feel bad about yourself if you let them”.
Mr
Stick is cracking story that shows everyone has a back story to tell. The cast worked hard to entertain the theatregoers
and the show went down well with audience members of all ages. All we need now is a weekend of warm sunny
weather to make it perfect!
This
review was written by Stephen Oliver for the North East
Theatre Guide by Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com). Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo,
Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo on Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo
Creatives:
Original
Story: David Walliams
Director:
Peter Mimmack
Adaption:
David Kerby-Kendall
Designer:
Kate Wragg
Musical
Director: Andy Guthrie
Composer:
Derry Pope
Costumes:
Libby Esler
Tickets:
Mr
Stink will be performed at Coleman’s Field, Jesmond Dene:
Friday, June 19th 6.30pm
Saturday, June 20th 2pm and 6.30pm
Sunday, June 21st 6.30pm
The
entrance is at Pet's Corner at Jesmond Dene and the box office opens one hour
before the show starts.
Covered and uncovered seating is available. Ticket prices for covered seating (includes a chair under a tent): Adult £16.50, Child £12.50, Concession £14.
Ticket
prices for uncovered seating (bring your own chair/rug) : Adult £13.50, Child £9.50, Concession £11.
Family tickets are available for uncovered seats £45 (2 adults, 3 children).
Uncovered under 5s and carers go free.
Tickets
available via www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk.
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