With a combination of music, song and puppetry The Golden Cowpat recounts the story of Betty the cow in the style of an old episode of Jackanory. Like most fairy tales, the Golden Cowpat comes with its own morality story about the trappings and dangers of greed. The ‘baddie’ could be taken further to emphasise the point fully but suffices for the performance, the one disappointment in a show with high-energy narration and fantastic music.
Tucked In productions provide family entertainment for kids of all ages, though The Golden Cowpat seems more suited for children over seven than the stated five. The proceedings seemed a little too static at times to captivate the younger members of the audience, though the duo do engage and re-engage at just the right moments. Certainly the children were keen to join in, particularly with the chance to bid outrageous sums in an auction under the capable direction of the ‘Mayor’. There are plenty of funny and witty moments that are not just for the kids.
The show is obviously very well devised and the two performers are more than talented in their roles. Both supply a level of professionalism that matches the quality of the writing, bringing a warm and friendly atmosphere to proceedings. At ease with their surroundings and audience, the talented duo offered to stay on after the performance to talk to the children and allow them to engage with the puppet – a nice touch and an appropriate coda for a charming show.
