Handmade Tales, performed by the Tap Tap theatre, is a collection of children’s stories that transport you to a magical world. There will be no Cinderella or Red Riding Hood in this truly enchanting and highly original production. Instead, we are greeted by a friendly dragon, a nasty Baron and Grandma Edie. Children and adults alike will love this brilliantly choreographed production. Funny, energetic and absolutely captivating, Handmade Tales is a treat for all the family.
Handmade Tales simply must be told. In the style of Dr. Seuss, the cast tell us of their ‘brand spanking new’ stories that are not your average ‘sugary sweet’ fairy tale. The fast-paced show sends us hurtling through fantasy worlds. From an argumentative brother and sister who end up in the land of lost things to a boy conquering his fear of the dark, Handmade Tales explores issues every child can relate to. Each section had a message: from ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ to ‘Use words wisely’, these traditional messages of morality are told in the most innovative of ways.
This visually impressive show, flawlessly executed, is a feat of ingenuity. The cast, all individually outstanding, seamlessly come together in a wonderfully expressive performance. They manage to engage the children in the audience extremely well, asking some their names are incorporating them into the show; a brilliant idea. You leave the theatre inspired to write as the overarching message of the performance is to use your imagination and write your own stories: ‘Put pen to paper, be brave, be bold!’
Handmade Tales is a delightful show that will put a smile on your face; a treat for the eyes and ears.
