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Gareth Cooper and Bethany-Jo Clews as the
shoemakers. Picture: Steve Gresty
The Elves and the Shoemakers
Derby Theatre Studio
****
THIS lovely little Christmas production
is inspired by the Brothers Grimm fairy tale written just over a hundred
years ago in 1806.
Performed in the intimate 100-seater studio, it
is aimed at 3-7 year olds but particularly suits pre-school age
children, and is an ideal introduction to the theatre as a first visit
for youngsters.
The single set of the shoemaker’s house is quaint
and atmospheric, the music simple and child friendly. Two pairs of
characters are presented, the old shoemaker and his wife, and two young
elves both enthusiastically and energetically played by , who have to
perfect some fairly nifty costume changes from their bedroom as
shoemakers, to elves a few moments later.
All the ingredients for young children are here.
The plot is simple, the language repetitive ensuring that everyone knows
what is going on, the humour is gentle, and the costumes are bright and
colourful. Children from the audience are invited on stage, and there
are plenty of opportunities to join in with songs and indulge in
communal foot stamping and dancing.
The already simple source story is further
simplified, and the running time of fifty five minutes in one act is
perfect for a child’s attention span. The magic is woven but not
stretched. The Elves and the Shoemaker is enjoying a very successful
run, with performances typically at 10.30am and 1.30pm so as not to
interfere with young bedtimes, and runs until Sat 26th December.
Gary Longden
21-12-15
The show can also be
seen at: Lichfield Garrick,
Sat 16 January, 11am & 2pm,
Box Office - 01543 412121.;
Book. Brewhouse Arts Centre,
Burton upon Trent, Sat 23
January, 2pm, Box Office: 01283 508100.
Book; Nottingham Lakeside Arts,
Sun 24 January, 1pm & 3.30pm, Box Office: 0115
846 777
Book
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