Theatre / weston studio
Review: Babytales: Cabaret for Little People, The Weston Studio, Bristol Old Vic – ‘Utterly gorgeous’
Aimed – refreshingly – at the very youngest of audiences, Babytales is a gem of a show.
Beautifully conceived and delivered with irresistible warmth, this 30 minute cabaret of song and dance numbers managed to delight not only the 0-3 year olds gathered, but all the adults too.
And it feels special, too, like every cabaret should. The aesthetic is dominated by an upright piano centre stage, hanging lamps and a disco ball above the space, a classic star-spangled backcloth, and very low circular tables with pushable lights on them, surrounded by cushions.
is needed now More than ever
The ensemble works very well together, switching characters as they revisit some well-loved fairy tale figures in a series of scenes.
We see Hansel and Gretel walking through the forest; The Little Mermaid returning to her ocean home; Sleeping Beauty trying by degrees to fall into slumber.
It’s a very accessible format underpinned by huge imagination, and impressive consideration for the sensory elements to which babies, toddlers and early preschoolers are so responsive.
Babytales, Cabaret for Little People, The Weston Studio, Bristol Old Vic – photo: Chelsey Cliff
The production is elevated further by beautiful attention to detail in lighting, and music – not least the on-stage pianist, who sets the tone throughout.
Moments of interaction between the ensemble and the audience before and during the show are treated with a deft lightness of touch. And everyone is invted to join in for a joyful dance-along at the end, too.
All in all, Babytales really is a little triumph. But extra special plaudits go to The Little Mermaid for responding to my daughter’s starstruck admiration at the end of the show by saying: “You were my favourite”.
Poster: Bristol Old Vic
Babytales: Cabaret for Little People (age recommendation 0-3) is at The Weston Studio, Bristol Old Vic from November 17-26; times vary. For ticket availability, check www.bristololdvic.org.uk.
All photos: Chelsey Cliff
Read more: Belle and Sebastien: a Christmas show for children and young families
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