Running Wild, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - review and pictures
The combination of animals and children in a storyline usually equate to sadness and even heartbreak and Running Wild, which Children’s Touring Partnership has brought to the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre this week, is no different. But there is also hope, love and eventual happiness in this tale too.
Based on a true story of a little girl called Amber Owen, who was caught up in the horrors of the tsunami in Thailand in 2004, Running Wild was adapted for the stage by Samuel Adamson from Michael Morpurgo’s breath taking novel. It depicts a tale of survival when an elephant the child was riding for pleasure senses danger and charges into the jungle to escape the giant wave, ultimately saving her life.
Now jungle animals on stage are not an option of course, but this is certainly the next best thing. In a very similar style to that of Morpurgo’s critically acclaimed production, War Horse, all the animals are life-size puppets, operated by a team of superb actor/puppeteers who bring each and every one to life, so much so in fact that after the first couple of minutes of the show, the humans seemingly disappear and you are left with images of real-life creatures.
This is an incredible piece of theatre. It is unusual, vibrant, imaginative and inspired. The wreckage of the disaster, mixed with foliage imaginatively made from green umbrellas, forms the scenery which surrounds the whole stage and is so effective, you can almost feel the heat and damp environment of the jungle.
Somehow the directors Timothy Sheader and Dale Rooks have managed to create the ever-present sense of danger and intensity in the air which is exciting for the younger members of the audience, but slightly uncomfortable for the adults. Just as it should be.
The human cast are individually superb. Twelve-year-old Annika Whiston from Sutton as Lilly takes the piece by storm with exceptional dramatic skills in such a youngster, but also a really mature understanding of her role which radiates throughout her performance. That said, she still manages to retain childlike innocence but is fearless in her execution.
There is a terrifying and unsettling performance from Jack Sandle as Mr Anthony, while in contrast, Stephen Hoo as Mahout and Kaya displays kindness and compassion with a warm characterisation of both roles.
The exceptionally strong cast all offer excellent performances, both in terms of the character roles and the puppeteers, but of course, the absolute stars of the show are naturally the puppets.
Oona the elephant is nothing short of amazing. I cannot recall having seen a more lifelike representation of an animal, with the exception of course of Joey in War Horse. Every movement and sound is a perfect portrayal of the beast, courtesy of course of four highly skilled puppeteers and they have perfectly captured the gentle disposition of such a mighty creature.
I adored the flying fish, who although are simple puppets on sticks, fill the stage with silver scales and glittering leaps and swoops.
The tiger slinks across the stage with his menacing demeanour while in contrast, the baby orang-u-tans are playful and capering, watched over by the adult ape and her motherly instinct to protect Lilly is the probably the closest thing to the human race an animal can be. And all of this again created by these amazing actor/puppeteers.
The whole production is mesmerising and a visual delight. James Whiteside’s spectacular lighting effects, clever choreography courtesy of Georgine Lamb and effective music create excitement, danger and trepidation.
Running Wild has a very clear message too; keep your loved one’s close, treat animals as you would humans and never give up in the face of adversity.
Outside of pantomime, I would say Running Wild is a perfect introduction to theatre for young people as well as being the ideal way to bring families together. It’s both heart-warming and thrilling.
Runs until Saturday with an earlier than usual start times, so check before you go along. Call 01902 429212 or visit www.grandtheatre.co.uk for tickets.
