Theatre / Brave Bold Drama
Review: The Midnight Mission!, The Wardrobe Theatre – ‘Riotous, playable, family fun’
Driven day-to-day by a creative team of two, Brave Bold Drama is about to celebrate its 10 year anniversary.
In that decade, this proudly not-for-profit, working-class and LGBTQI+ led, south Bristol theatre company – dedicated to producing work for families, and in care homes – appears to have gone from strength to strength.
Its latest outing The Midnight Mission! delighted its audience at The Wardrobe Theatre this weekend, with all the hallmarks of the playable mystery narrative for which the company is best known.
is needed now More than ever
Founder and artistic director Gill Simmons is Agent Kahlo, working opposite Paul Lawless, deviser and producer, as Agent Dali.
This crime-fighting duo lead us through a spooky adventure, with (potentially) supernatural overtones suitable for the time of year.
Gill Simmons as Agent Kahlo – photo: Brave Bold Drama
Aimed at children aged 6+, the tone of the show is fun, inclusive and interactive in a way that the youngest audience members are engaged with from the off, and carried along in a way that never patronises.
A special agent pack given out upon entry followed by an introductory quiz, and in-story voting throughout, helps to guide us through a back story that is, on the face of it, more complicated than family drama can often be.
Photo: Brave Bold Drama
And whilst the 19th century gothic horror canon – specifically Mary Shelley, Lord Byron and John Polidori – and a historic fight over who may have actually written The Vampyre may not be an obvious central pillar for riotous family theatre, it really works.
The cartoony and gleefully ridiculous Simmons and Lawless are a hoot to watch, both as the central duo, and in subequent multi-roling. They’re clearly having fun on stage, and it’s irresistable.
Photo: Brave Bold Drama
A slight lull in concentration from the watching children at about the 45 minute mark was soon dispelled when they joined together in cracking the code and uncovering the mystery at the centre of the story.
My six year old laughed at the jokes, wooped at the slapstick, jumped at the spooky bits, and talked about it all the way home.
To keep in touch with forthcoming shows and events from Brave Bold Drama, visit www.bravebolddrama.co.uk.
Main photo: Brave Bold Drama
Read more: A generous dollop of festive family theatre
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