A boy finds a balloon on the streets of Paris. They become friends, spend the day together, and then part ways. The story is beautiful in its simplicity.
Smash Productions’ idea to adapt Albert Lamorisse’s 1956 film for children’s theatre is inspired and the resulting show is full of physical energy and wit. The three young women who devised and performed the piece where already working hard as the audience entered; the image of the boy sitting, sighing, bored, was created by all three and set the scene perfectly. There were plenty of enjoyable images that followed; the moment the balloon is released sets off a clever movement sequence which immediately gives the eponymous character a personality, delighting all generations of the audience.
It is a shame, then, that this characterisation of the balloon was short-lived. The boy, played effectively by all three actors in turns was more defined - though a little inconsistent - but the relationship between the two protagonists was never quite convincing or heartwarming enough. There is, however, a host of entertaining secondary characters: fat grandma and thin grandma who speak only with their names; the flamboyant pastry chef; and the priest, whose choice of psalm is inspired.
There is also the stern teacher, who helps to cleverly weave mini French lessons into the story, the show’s real triumph. They were too often skipped over, however, and could have been taken further. A valid comment for the piece as a whole as certain elements seemed underdeveloped, including the balloon’s personality and relationship with the boy. Other parts seemed too brief and with the show ending with half an hour to spare there is doubtless room for expansion. A policeman is fleetingly portrayed, for example, with some lovely mask work, an aspect which could surely be used more extensively to great effect. More notably, a child in the audience is at one point given the honour of holding the balloon but it is handed to him unceremoniously, a narrowly missed opportunity for really involving the young audience.
‘The Maroon Balloon’ is a charming show with a lot of originality and joie de vivre. With a little more consistency and attention to detail, it could be truly magical.
