Stick Man has just gone out for an innocent jog, when suddenly he is snatched up by a dog. Stick Mans unwelcome adventure continues as he becomes a girls pooh stick, is used in a Swans nest, floats out to sea and is used as a bat in a game on an unknown beach. This production is saturated with jaunty music and excellent lighting. The audience is transported along with Stick Man on his journey as the stage moves from dappled green to submerged in blue light, the sound of the river bubbling over the music. The snowing scene provokes oohs and aahs from all ages. This rhyming story is told through exaggerated facial expressions and silly accents, while actions are often accompanied with whistles, tinkles and cymbals. These all combine to keep the young audience engaged throughout: though there is the inevitable wriggling, the huge audience seem entirely captivated by Stick Mans struggles. The show doesnt try to pander to its adult audience, and this is one of its greatest strengths. Though there are occasional jokes thrown in slyly for the older crowd, the actors never forget their real audience, and the jokes about weeing and bums get laughs from everyone. Theres also the perfect amount of audience participation, with much pointing and yelling of over there! and even a giant game of catch.At the beginning, some seemed quite scared by the silhouetted trees and slightly spooky green lighting - a couple of children had to take their mothers home. But by the end, the crowd of children sitting near me loved the whole experience. I liked Santa the best says Katie, 5, And the big stick man. Her mum sums it up: Magical. This is the perfect lunchtime show, but be warned: youll be humming the tunes all afternoon.
