Rating: ★★★★★
A Sublime Evening of Entertainment!
This two-hour show (with an interval of 20 mins) is wholesome, thought-provoking, and utterly entertaining.
Toby Hulse and Director, Julia Samuels have taken this adorable children’s classic and adapted it for the stage. For anyone unfamiliar with Kenneth Grahame’s tale of Ratty, Mole, Badger, and Toad, the themes of love, bravery, and friendship not only transcend into their antics but also demonstrate a clear message to readers and theatre-goers that we should stand up for our friends and support them no matter what, especially at times when we disagree with their decisions.
The superb acting of all the cast members was ‘completely off the scale’ to the point that each of their individual performances truly had you believing they were the actual animals they were portraying. In particular, the rat and stoat-like mannerisms of Bryony Maguire had you both loathing and loving the character she depicted. Katie Erich (Mole) delivered such a gentle, unassuming, and likable mole that she made you want to be as honest, kind, and thoughtful as her character. Kesziah Joseph’s (Ratty) facial expressions and frustratingly sarcastic tone during her dialogue with Dean Boodaghians Nolan (Toad) was hilariously delightful. Her acting ability had the audience in raptures as we became completely immersed in her narrative.
This is a first-class show, utterly entertaining, and absolutely worthy of its five-star rating.
Shakespeare North is a registered charity and survives via ticket sales. If there’s a show to captivate the whole family, I implore you to buy tickets before its run ends on Sat, 13th Jan 2024.
Tickets can be purchased either online or directly from the box office in person or by telephone at 0151 433 7156 with prices ranging from as little as £3. Please be assured that wherever you sit in this wonderful theatre, you will have a clear view of the stage.
