The Terrible Infants
Oct 7, 2017 7:48:18 GMT
via mobile
addictedtotheatre, dani, and 1 more like this
Post by stevej678 on Oct 7, 2017 7:48:18 GMT
Les Enfants Terribles have taken up residence at Wilton's Music Hall with the ten-year anniversary production of their original show, The Terrible Infants.
I've seen other productions by the company before, such as The Vaudevillains and Ernest & The Pale Moon, but not the show where it all started for them back in 2007.
I thought The Terrible Infants would be good but didn't expect it to be *this* good. It's been extended to two hours of dark, twisted stories which are so vividly brought to life it feels like they've been lifted straight from the pages of a children's picture book.
We meet a series of petulant characters, from Tumb the boy who eats his mum, to deceitful Tilly whose fib-packed stories cause her to grow a terrible tail, hygienically challenged Mingus, poor Thingummyboy so forgettable that he ceases to exist, Little Linena the ultimate material girl, and chatterbox Beatrice who talks so much that "all of the donkeys in her village are missing hind legs".
Think Roald Dahl meets Tim Burton. It's dark, irreverent, packed with humour, alliteration and outrageous rhyming, all underpinned by barmy puppets, raucous folk music, wonderful costumes, and a set that truly enhances the magical spectacle. There's scattered violins, old dolls and fairy lights aplenty. Whether it's a gypsy caravan or an underwater scene with cellophane waves and real bubbles, the shabby chic surroundings of Wilton's Music Hall couldn't be a better fit for the vaudeville, gothic aesthetic which is frequently reminiscent of an abandoned circus.
Artistic Director Oliver Lansley reprises his role with a brand new cast of actor musicians comprising Rebecca Bainbridge, Richard Booth, Christo Squire and Serena Manteghi. It's Oliver and Serena in particular who drive the storytelling and indulge in the occasional coy flirtation with the audience. Having seen Serena previously in Belt Up Theatre's A Little Princess, I thought that once again she completely stole the show, particularly as pig-tailed, rosy-cheeked Tilly. Watch out for guest narration from Dame Judi Dench too!
I really can't recommend this production enough. It's been revived with a freshness, vitality and engrossing sense of fun that is quite simply a joy to behold. There isn't a moment where the energy relents or the audience's attention and captivation wanes. Ten years on and this is Les Enfants Terribles at the top of their game. The Terrible Infants is a sublime production that's brimming with imagination, playfulness and spectacle. Terrible tales told remarkably well. It runs at Wilton's until 28th October.
*****
