Small people at the front and big people at the back, the show is about to begin. Curiously, it starts with a scary, grumpy and downright nasty clown, who drones on for several minutes about Noah and his Ark. Where is this adventure we've heard so much about? We were promised kidnap and detectives and puzzles and clues and all there is is a rubbish balloon artist with a bit of a temper. To explain what happens next would be to spoil the surprise, but in very little time the promise becomes a reality. We're off on an Adventure. Hoorah! There's kidnap and detectives and puzzles and clues and drama and intrigue and a story too.
Jack and Jill's father has been kidnapped. They can't tell the police, or their father might be killed. Instead, they are joined by their best friend Fred and twenty or so young (and not so young) detectives to track him down and save him.
Jack and Jill are played with great gusto in true pantomime manner. Fred is a bit Shaggy from Scooby Doo and plays his dumb but jolly role with perfection. All three are endearing and warm and really feel like our best friends. The puzzles are great and the action fast paced. Despite the cries and shouts of (mostly) children, all talking over each other and dying to be first, the cast admirably held the chaos together, while the grown ups stood back and let them.
Somewhat confusingly, the audience must meet at the Pleasance on the Green and then walk up the hill to Crags Sports centre. Initially, it seemed a bit of a drag, particularly as there's no character to entertain us en route, but it becomes apparent why such secrecy is necessary since it protects the element of surprise. And surprised we are. Sometimes frighteningly so.
Some people are scared of clowns. If you are, don't go. The clown is the scariest clown ever. Pantomime baddie of the century. If you are scared of the dark, don't go. There are quite a few episodes in the dark. The pitch dark. Some children (and perhaps adults) have had to leave the performance because of this. Finally, if you are scared of asbestos poisoning, don't go. This one was just pretend. Hopefully.
Brushing aside the question marks over issues such as not involving the police, breaking into a locked building, ignoring 'Danger Asbestos' signs and tackling a madman, this is a great show for children. Bad Physics have created an absolute winner.
According to Josh, aged ten years, 'It was fantastic!' A non-hand holding, football-loving, scary-story fiend, he was secretly pleased to have his auntie's reassuring hands on his shoulders throughout. His auntie was scared witless. That, ladies and gentleman, is probably the point.
