Reviewed by Laraine Ball
Jan 2011
This interesting and unusual story written by Roald Dahl and adapted for the stage by David Wood, tells the tale of the adventures of James and how he ended up living in a house made out of the kernel of a giant peach in Central Park in New York with his friends Centipede, Ladybird, Grasshopper, Earthworm and Miss Spider.
Directed by Fiona DeLaine this production was bright and appealing with an energetic and lively cast who all worked well together.
The chorus consisting of younger children also managed very well in their supporting roles mainly bringing on props and in some cases being the set (flapping the material making the sea waves etc.) Tom Bayford as James Henry Trotter told his story clearly and did an excellent job of involving the audience, Sean Flierl as Centipede stole the applause several times with his enthusiastic portrayal as did Josh Smart with his lovely quirky character of the blind Earthworm.
Maryann Boettcher showed off her ballet skills as Miss Spider and had great fun as Aunt Sponge, Alex Ogden made a gorgeous mean and spiteful Aunt Spiker and Kyla Fava did well as Ladybird. Taking on multiple roles Alice Edgeley filled in the gaps in the story along with Louise Pappagallo as the Tour Guide.
The sets designed by Kate Anolak were simple ones for house settings but the best part was the wonderful enormous peach that was flown in.
Children and Adults alike thoroughly enjoyed this story and they seemed to be fully involved enjoying the interaction with the players making this an excellent holiday vehicle and also a lot of fun.
