Review: Pinocchio
Christmas is the time for panto in theatre land, “Oh yes it is!”. However if you’ve had your fill of panto dames and princesses but still want some good family fun to brighten the festive period there is an alternative.
The Red Rose Chain’s Christmas offerings have become a staple of our Christmas as much as mince pies in recent years and this year the Ipswich based company turn their attentions to Carlo Collodi’s tale of the little boy made of wood, Pinocchio.
Forget the Disney version and instead immerse yourself in the telling of the tale by Red Rose Chain Artistic Director, Joanna Carrick. Jo has once more proven why we love this great little theatre company so much.
Performed by three highly talented actors, Evangeline Dickson as Pinocchio, and Jack Heydon and Liam Bull who take on all the other roles, you are in for a fun-packed ride that will either get your Christmas off to a great start or ensure that you don’t get post-Christmas blues.
The story is well known but it’s the retelling that will keep audiences young and old captivated.
It may not be panto, but as usual Carrick has given us the odd opportunity for a “he’s behind you” or “oh no he isn’t” in a slight nod to the panto that it is not.
There’s some original fun songs, written by the cast, some good slapstick moments and simply put some lovely acting.
If you’re looking for something to do this Christmas/New Year you could do far worse than spend some time with the Red Rose Chain, I know my nose will not grow when I tell you, “this is really brilliant” – no lie!
Pinocchio is at The Avenue Theatre, Ipswich until 5th Jan 2025 – Tickets www.redrosechain.com.
Review: Mark Keable, Ipswich24 Magazine
Photo: Bill Jackson