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Drop of the Ocean

 
Nicholas Abrams Review by Nicholas Abrams 4 Published: 27 Jul 2025 Studio, Gala Theatre Show Dates: 24 Jul 2025-27 Jul 2025

Children’s theatre doesn’t need bells, whistles or a vanload of tech. Sometimes, all it needs is a handful of clever props, some gentle songs and a performer who knows how to talk to both toddlers and tired parents. Drop of the Ocean has all three – and while it may not linger in the memory, it delivers a pleasing and quietly magical 45 minutes for its young audience.

It invites curiosity, rewards attention and never overcomplicates its central question: what might the sea tell us, if we just stop and listen?

The premise – in as much as there is one – is simple: the sun and moon want to play together all day and night, and the ocean (sparkly, swishy and full of surprises) holds the key. What follows is more a gentle sensory journey than a structured story, as the ocean introduces us to a parade of aquatic creatures – a squid, a swordfish, a “bongo fish” – each with its own little number and novelty.

At the centre of it all is Paula David, who radiates warmth and calm in equal measure. She holds the room with quiet confidence, talking directly to the children without ever patronising, and gamely adapting to a Sunday lunchtime crowd that was perhaps a little light on children. (One enthusiastic youngster made it to the stage to interact with the props – and was immediately rewarded with their own solo undersea adventure.)

The show opens with a small but lovely moment of theatre magic as David sprays sparkles into the air, which rise to become stars. It’s simple, effective, and sets the tone nicely. Throughout, the production finds small ways to enchant – from the textured, glittery set to soft, undulating lighting that evokes the sea without overstatement. Lanterns become celestial bodies; glowsticks and fabrics become aquatic animals.

The songs themselves are pleasant enough, though not particularly memorable. Given we’re invited to sing along at points, you wish the melodies had a bit more staying power – but they serve their purpose and avoid overstaying their welcome.

There isn’t much of a plot, but that’s no bad thing. This is more about mood and engagement than narrative. It invites curiosity, rewards attention and never overcomplicates its central question: what might the sea tell us, if we just stop and listen?

Drop of the Ocean isn’t a show that reinvents anything – but it doesn’t need to. It proves that simple, thoughtful storytelling, paired with strong design and a charismatic performer, is still more than enough to keep young minds gently entranced.

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The Blurb:

The sun and the moon dance and sing and play together with the ocean, at dusk and dawn. The sun must sleep at night and the moon must sleep by day. ‘We must find a way to play all day and all night,’ says the sun and the moon. The ocean has the answers deep in their waves. All the ocean’s friends, get together to find the answer. Join us on our journey into the magical waves to find the answer.