Theatre Review - The Smeds and The Smoos
T
ALL Stories’ joyous production
of The Smeds and The Smoos, based on the award-winning book by
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, will delight young and old audiences alike.
It’s a clever retelling of Romeo and Juliet with an
intergalactic setting and a happy ending.
We meet two rival groups of aliens living on a distant planet: the Smeds (who are red) and the Smoos (who are blue). Grandfather Smed (Tom Capper) tells his granddaughter Janet (Felicia Akin-Tayo) that she is not to play with the Smoos. Grandmother Smoo (Andrea Sadler) repeats the advice to her grandson Bill (Robert Penny).
When Bill and Janet meet, they hit it off and play together in secret. A few years later, they decide to marry but, wanting to avoid the wrath of their families, zoom off into space in Grandfather Smed’s red rocket. Their relatives unite in order to find the star-crossed friends and bring them home again.
While visiting several planets and meeting various eccentric characters, such as the slime monsters of Planet Glurch and the party ravers of Grimbletosh, the warring sides realise that their distrust of each other has been rather foolish. They have more in common than they think.
Directed by Toby Mitchell, this one-hour show celebrates diversity and empathy and delivers valuable lessons in tolerance and accepting difference – all with a light touch.
The energetic cast give it their all, encouraging the young audience to join in with the panto-style diversions – “they’re behind you” – jubilant singalongs, and boisterous “joy, jam and jumping”. Barney George’s simple but evocative set and Yvonne Stone’s inventive puppetry allow imaginations to soar.
We loved the rebellious natures of Janet and Bill and their ability to teach their elders a lesson or two.
Recommended for ages 3+ but fabulous fun for all the family.
Until September 3
Originally
published by Westminster
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