Theatre / little bulb theatre
Review:The Night that Autumn Turned to Winter
Happy to report that Little Bulb’s imagination and rapport with younger audiences continues, well, undimmed.
Two years after their last visit to Bristol Old Vic Studio with 2013’s Christmas show Antarctica, Little Bulb are back this time in more temperate lands – although not by much, as the cold winds of winter are blowing.
Yes, it’s the last night of autumn and the creatures of the woodland are all preparing, in their different ways, for the cold and foodless months. Meanwhile, a trio of fairies (played, as is the entire woodland bestiary, by performers Clare Beresford, Dominic Conway and Miriam Gould) look on, helping the animals where they can in their efforts to stock the larder.
is needed now More than ever
The fairies present two skittish rabbits with a carrot, with a gentle admonition not to scoff the thing all at once but to eke it out – advice already being ignored as the bunnies hop offstage.
Next up, a pair of squirrels are set a test to find a delicious sack of nuts to last them the winter – with the help of the young audience. And this is where Little Bulb’s magic comes most plainly into view. For one thing, the three actors are totally immersed in their various animal roles (aided by some beautiful costumes from the splendidly-named Farnham Knitwits and others).
Frog, badger, fox, owl, fly, spider: the actors take some essential and recognisable characteristics of each creature, knead in some comedy and a colourful accent, and produce a string of beautiful characters that engage both the younger audience and their chaperones.
What’s more, the trio’s interaction with those younger audiences is beautifully judged – inviting, engaging, nicely conspiratorial but never patronising or pressurising – while the trickle of comic asides keeps the grown-ups onside too.
The year’s darkest season has rarely shone so brightly.
The Night That Autumn Turned to Winter continues at Bristol Old Vic until Sunday, January 10. For more info and to book tickets, visit www.bristololdvic.org.uk/nightautumnwinter.html