UK Theatre Network

Empty spaces, waiting to be filled.

Empty hearts, waiting to be loved.

Empty faces, waiting to be recognized.

It is raining in London Town. People pass each other, avoiding contact. Time ticks away on a typical British morning until, out of the setting gloom, a little figure appears and shyly waves at you. The human characters remain disoriented and locked up in themselves at first but the little fellow slowly changes their hearts and minds.

 This play is about loneliness and people living in isolation although they are surrounded by masses of other people. They are scared of each other and avoid contact although they desperately need somebody. However, they eventually realize that it is possible to learn to trust and love one another. 

The little puppet was so touching that I saw various members of the audience wipe their eyes because of that little guy with his spindly arms and big hands. He is incredibly sweet as he sits in a bowler hat using it as a boat or climbs up on a table to touch a human character – shyly and carefully.    

The other puppet character portrays the grandmother of one of the human characters. She was beautifully done as well – alive and fascinating to watch. There are also elements of shadow play. There is not much text in the show, it is comprised of strong images conveyed by the impressive ensemble - Harriet Field, Blake Aleksander, Matthew Lloyd and Molly Freeman - of this touching and wonderful production. 

Until 1 October 2011

Blue Elephant Theatre

59a Bethwin Road,

Camberwell

London SE5 0T

www.blueelephanttheatre.co.uk