Theatre / Travelling Light Theatre Company
Review: Belle and Sebastien, The Weston Studio, Bristol Old Vic – ‘Utterly gorgeous’
In Belle and Sebastien, co-producing partners Travelling Light and Bristol Old Vic have created a beautiful and beguiling Christmas show.
Aimed at young children of 4+, this tale of friendship and love is no less impactful for their parents, carers and, I daresay, teachers too – since the show I saw was full of wide-eyed schoolchildren, gripped by the snowy mountain landscape that engulfs The Weston Studio.
Heidi Vaughan (incoming CEO and artistic director of Tobacco Factory Theatres) as director and designer Edwina Bridgeman have created a world that is deceptively simple, and yet manages to transport its audience away somewhere else entirely. It’s demonstrable of the power of theatre to sprinkle magic on all of us, especially at this time of year.
is needed now More than ever
The set comprises a snowy backdrop, and brown paper-backed V-shaped ‘mountains’, which Felix Hayes as Belle the dog, and Mogali Masuku as Sebastien hide behind, play around, move and manipulate throughout the 45 minute show.
A sumptuous soundscape warms the icy scene from composer and sound designer Seamas Carey, at times dominated by folky strings, and then punctuated by brass and a syncopated jazzy rhythm.
And there is a lovely repeated lid-lifting, as we hear the chorus of voices gossiping and stirring in the houses below the mountain.
The narrative couldn’t be simpler. It surrounds a dog and a boy of exactly the same age, both of whom – according to the defiant villagers – need taming. They are two very different souls who feel, for different reasons, misunderstood, rejected, rootless and out of place.
Hayes is every inch the dog, untamed and open, but also wonderfully intuitive: barking, and sniffing out not only smells, but emotions too. He senses “the things you cannot hold or measure”: hurt, anger, regret; love, warmth and happiness.
And Masuku is zesty, light and full of curiosity – a great foil for Sebastien’s newfound canine friend.
This is a story of vulnerability and strength that comes with belonging, and of the beauty of communication and companionship that lies beyond language.
There is darkness beyond the fringes, but it is treated with a deftness that affords the show its widespread appeal.
Without wanting to spoil the ending, it really is perfect. But if that hasn’t left you feeling cosy and Christmassy enough, there are designated ‘pyjama nights’ on selected Fridays, for those seeking to add a pre-show whipped cream-topped hot chocolate into the mix.
Belle and Sebastien (age recommendation 4+) is at The Weston Studio, Bristol Old Vic from December 2-January 8, 2023; showtimes vary. Tickets are available at www.bristololdvic.org.uk.
All photos: Camilla Adams
Read more: Belle and Sebastien: A Christmas show for children and young families
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