Review of Pinocchio (From Swindon Advertiser)

Review of Pinocchio

11:44am Thursday 1st July 2010 in

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BEING carved out of pine, brought alive by a fairy, hoodwinked by a showman, tricked by a fox and more... what a start to life for any boy.

But when the curtains opened on Pinocchio’s Italian village, Geppetto, Mr Cricket and the wooden puppet came alive. The stage was set for the Estelle School of Dance annual production – and boy were they great.

From the wonderfully eccentric Judge to the wily fox, all of the characters were appropriately cast for a story, which dates back to 1883, and it felt as fresh and fascinating as it probably did at the time it was written. Pinocchio was played by Abigail Daniels, who didn’t hold back in her performance. She played a superb and believable puppet with acting that was far from wooden. All of the singing, acting and dancing, from both the children and adults, was stunning.

The performance was seriously helped by the costumes which were spot on for realism and colour, likewise the ever-changing and professional sets which helped take the audience into the world of Tuscan villagers.

The occasional appearance of groups of the tiniest performers, most of them remembering their dance movements, some taking just a little more interest in the audience as they possibly made their debut on stage, was charming and brought appreciative response from the audience.

Overall a superb and evocative show, which was polished, and professional. I am sure it was enjoyed by the performers as much as the audience. If you missed it I recommend booking early for the next production. Swindon does have talent.

- SHIRLEY LUDFORD