The use of fairytale, music and the goodie/baddie dichotomy remain in Pinocchio at the Unicorn Theatre, but the eggy, set gags and joke routines of panto are thankfully left out. Colourful, detailed design (by Jean Chan) and puppetry (by Chris Pirie) give the show a festive lushness, but it’s the performances that make this Christmas show shine.
‘A riot of filth in words & gestures’: PINOCCHIO GETS WOOD – Guildford Fringe Theatre Company (Online review)
Strictly 18-plus, Pinocchio Gets Wood is a riot of filth in words and gestures right from the first appearance of Dame Ciabatta Myflange (the tireless Daniel Page). No Widow Twankey, this Dame makes a living selling sex toys.
Looking for some alternative festive fare? Debbie has some recommendations…
As you know, Mind the Blog is a Panto-Free Zone – but what if you want to find some alternative festive fare? Whether it’s family fun or something a little more grown-up, we have a selection of seasonal offerings (old and new) that might be of use to you.
What’s Debbie looking forward to in December 2018?
Opening in London this month is the transfer of the NT’s Nine Night (now at Trafalgar Studios), Jailbirds at the Etcetera Theatre, Pinocchio at The Albany, One For The Road at the Rosemary Branch, Orpheus at Battersea Arts Centre and Pinter 5 & 6 will arrive at the Harold Pinter Theatre.
‘The most moving play I’ve seen for years’: GIRLS & BOYS – Royal Court Theatre ★★★★★
With its almost unbearable ending, Dennis Kelly’s play is a wonderful mix of hilarity and horror. Carey Mulligan is simply brilliant, totally at home on stage in Lyndsey Turner’s well-paced, absorbing and finally utterly compelling production.
‘The stage is filled with colour’: PINOCCHIO – National Theatre
A stage musical of Pinocchio sounds like a brilliant idea, but all the magical stagecraft in the world cannot save a show if the book is weak.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Pinocchio at the National Theatre
John Tiffany directs this new production of Pinocchio, which features the score and songs from the beloved Walt Disney film and is running at the National Theatre until 7 April 2018. Love London Love Culture rounds up the reviews.
A year in puppets
After choosing in 2016 to focus on Shakespeare (in the 400th anniversary of his death), I went completely different this year and made it my mission to learn more about, and see more shows featuring, puppets.
Mind the Blog’s top 2017 performances
This year variety has been the thing (though I’ve still managed to stack up certain repeat attendances), so that means I’ve seen a serious amount of performers – some even two or three times!
‘The puppetry is top class’: PINOCCHIO – National Theatre ❄❄❄❄❄
Award-winning John Tiffany directs, bringing to life a show that has been in his thoughts for several years now – he’s joined on the team by long-standing collaborator Bob Crowley, as well as Toby Olié as puppet director.
‘A unique, faintly creepy brand of entertainment’: PINOCCHIO – National Theatre
No matter the weather, as you walk into the Lyttelton’s auditorium for Pinocchio, you’ll find that it is snowing. A simple trick but one that inspires just the right childlike wonder for an adaptation of such a popular fairytale.
‘Magical, heartwarming’: PINOCCHIO – National Theatre ★★★★
This is a magical, heartwarming production which uses a variety of theatrical devices in the purest and most masterful way. I’d certainly urge you to get to the National to experience it for yourself and be reminded of the importance of love and family.
‘There’s a curious disconnection at the play’s heart’ – PINOCCHIO – National Theatre ★★★
It’s an old tale and a magical one. The deployment of spectacle and effects under John Tiffany’s direction and the remarkable tech and design team are not allowed to overshadow its old-fashioned moralities.
NEWS: Dance adaptation of Pinocchio returns to Sadler’s Wells in October
Prior to its international tour in 2018, award-winning choreographer Jasmin Vardimon’s adaptation of the classic fairy tale Pinocchio returns to Sadler’s Wells this October
NEWS: The National Theatre’s latest season packs in Tony Award winners Oslo
The National Theatre’s June 2017 – January 2018 season is live: Network, with Bryan Cranston; John Tiffany directs Pinocchio; Tony Award-winning play Oslo opens in the Lyttelton; Barber Shop Chronicles returns to the Dorfman.
NEWS: National 2017 season highlights: Bryan Cranston in Network, Rory Kinnear’s Macbeth, Pinocchio, new plays
The National Theatre held its annual press conference today, announcing myriad new productions, casting and other initiatives. Here’s the official press release. World premieres, new writers and ground-breaking adaptations announced for 2017 at the National Theatre Ivo van Hove follows his acclaimed Hedda Gabler with the world premiere of Network, with Bryan Cranston making his UK stage debut Anne-Marie Duff …
Year in Review: Caroline Hanks-Farmer & co choose their favourite shows of 2016
2016 has undoubtedly had its highs and lows. I wanted to find out what were my regular reviewers’ two favourite theatrical productions that they had covered for me this year?
PINOCCHIO – King’s Head Theatre
This is the tenth seasonal production of the Charles Court Opera company, and their second at the King’s Head following their migration from the Rosemary Branch for last year’s Mirror, Mirror.
PINOCCHIO – King’s Head Theatre
Charles Court Opera return to the King’s Head Theatre for the festive season with their traditional twist on a classic story that is funny with plenty of audience interaction. This is Pinocchio but not as you know it thanks to Charles Court Opera’s latest pantomime that takes the classic story and turns it into something completely unique.
NEWS: Charles Court Opera return to King’s Head with Pinocchio
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Boutique Panto, Charles Court Opera will return to the King’s Head Theatre to present a production of Pinocchio from 1 December 2016 until 7 January 2017.