Last year, I took my kids to go and see Fairies are Saving The Planet, a prequel by On the Fly Impro featuring, amongst other characters, the gorgeous, naive – and smelly – Windy the Wombat. Given the enormous turnout of children and parents on this occasion, I was disappointed (but not overly surprised given the heat) by the tiny audience.
The small crowd was particularly unfortunate because this really is an absolutely enchanting show. Windy’s desire to be in The City, despite his family’s objections, sees the young wombat run away and encounter all manner of dangers and misfortune for which he is not prepared and which quickly make him wish that he was back in the bush with his family and friends.
Although the show is marketed for 5 – 12 year olds, I would probably suggest that its target market is more suited for three to eight year olds. In any event, from a parent’s perspective this is pretty much the perfect show – imaginative, simple, with strong messages for young children and using skilful and highly entertaining characterisation. The talented cast of only three performers belies the number of characters which are on show. Particular kudos to Jarrad Parker’s smarmy, sarcastic alleycat, Teresa de Gennaro’s excitable but devious poodle and of course Melissa Eccleston as Windy.
If you have young kids, make this a show that you see during the Fringe – and take in the beautiful surroundings of Carrick Hill.
‘I loved every single bit so much’ – Anais, 4 years old
4.5K
Recent Comments