Fantastic Mr Fox

Theatre Royal

Bath

There’s something about the darkly humorous world of Roald Dahl that has always appealed to children of a certain age. Filled with witches, belches and witty punishments for the incessantly naughty, it is one of magic, mirth and morals.

And among these twisted tales, Fantastic Mr Fox is certainly one of the most beloved. A Robin Hood-like figure, he steals from the rich farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean and delivers the spoils of his nightly raids to his woodland friends. One night, after a particularly daring raid however, the farmers catch wind and Mr Fox ends up with a lot more trouble than he ever bargained for.

Adapting this tale to the stage was never going to be an easy task, but the production at Theatre Royal Bath, is managed with verve and aplomb. Full of slapstick, wit and not above a quick fart joke, the younger part of the audience (and their parents) lapped it up.

The titular Mr Fox (Greg Barnett) is played with irrepressible gusto, bounding around the stage, as are his forest chums Badger (Raphael Bushnay), Rabbit (Sandy Foster), Mouse (Kelly Jackson) and Mole (Gruffud Glyn – owner of a fine falsetto squeal). Special mention must also be made for the Bluebirds, terrorised by the farmers’ shotguns while delivering a harmonious acapella.

For the young, the young at heart and Roald Dahl fans in general, this is a cracking night out. These classic tales haven’t aged a day since they were first written, and this production in particular is a real treat.

The show runs until Saturday. - BY SEAN CAMERON